What I’m doing is [changing] the stories to tell some kind of truth. … You can be in this industry and be a human being at the same time.

Tantoo Cardinal

Actor

SAG-AFTRA member Tantoo Cardinal is a well-recognized Indigenous Canadian actor with credits in film, television and theater. As a woman of Cree and Métis descent, she is best known for her performances in the award-winning films Smoke Signals (1998) and Dances With Wolves (1990) as well as the ABC television show Stumptown. In recognition of her 50-year career and contributions toward furthering Aboriginal filmmaking and representation in Canada, she was inducted into the Order of Canada, which recognizes extraordinary contributions to the nation by its citizens. 

In this episode, SAG-AFTRA podcast hosts President Gabrielle Carteris and National Executive Director David White interview Cardinal to discuss her life and career. She discusses her early days in the industry and what’s needed to continue the industrywide changes taking place in Hollywood, and how her personal mission to showcase authenticity informs and influences every step of her long and successful career. 

Subscribe to the podcast 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.

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