SAG-AFTRA Podcast: ‘Native American Storytellers’

Native and Indigenous performers have historically been relegated to one-dimensional roles and have experienced much of the same stereotyping as other underrepresented groups in the entertainment and media industry. And while there have been strides made in the last few decades with landmark films and shows such as Smoke Signals (1998) and Trickster (2020), and the inclusion of Native people in contemporary roles, many Native storytellers find that their work has only just begun. 

In this episode of the podcast, we revisit the SAG-AFTRA President’s Task Force on Education, Outreach & Engagement’s Native American Storytellers: A Legacy & Future livestream on Nov. 17. The panel, which was part of the PTEOE Storytellers series, took place during National American Indian Heritage Month and featured Indigenous actors Kimberly Guerrero, Amber Midthunder, SAG-AFTRA National Native Americans Committee member Kalani Queypo and Glenn Stanton, CSA casting director Rene Haynes and SAG-AFTRA National Native Americans Committee Chair DeLanna Studi as moderator. Together, the speakers discussed the noticeable shift in Hollywood’s portrayal of Native and Indigenous peoples and the rise of Native content creators, and reflect on how the work of inclusion for Native performers can continue. Introduction by hosts President Gabrielle Carteris and National Executive Director David White.

To listen to previous episodes, click here. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts or TuneIn.

 
The views expressed by the guests are their own and not that of SAG-AFTRA. Any mention of products or services does not imply SAG-AFTRA’s endorsement.