SAG-AFTRA Podcast: “How to Create Better Representation of Native Americans in Media”

Authentic onscreen representation is important for marginalized communities. This is especially true for Native American and Indigenous actors, who often face being typecast into roles that perpetuate outdated, if not harmful, stereotypes. Although shows and films featuring Native American and Indigenous actors have slowly begun shifting to more modern-day stories in recent years, many still question if the progress being made today is enough to combat the past. 

This SAG-AFTRA podcast episode explores the question of whether Hollywood is getting better at depicting the modern Native American experience. It is a re-airing of a Native American and Indigenous town hall discussion that originally aired on Oct. 22, 2019. The event was a partnership between the SAG-AFTRA National Native Americans Committee and the Casting Society of America, and gave insight into the experiences of Native American and Indigenous actors in today’s industry. 

The featured speakers in this episode include CSA members Rene Hayes, Angelique Midthunder and April Webster; then-Writers Guild of America Native American and Indigenous Writers Committee Chair Jason Gavin; and SAG-AFTRA members Kimberly Guerrero, Q’orianka Kilcher, Sheri Foster Blake and Tokala Black Elk. Then-CSA President Russell Boast and actor Elizabeth Frances served as panel moderators. 

Introduction by SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland.

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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.