culture | January 19, 2026

A Voice For Native American Rights

Nathan Lee Chasing Horse is an American actor and activist best known for his role as Smiles a Lot in the Academy Award-winning film "Dances with Wolves" (1990). Chasing Horse is an advocate for Native American rights and has been involved in numerous social justice initiatives throughout his career.

Chasing Horse was born on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota in 1976. He began his acting career in the early 1990s, appearing in small roles in films such as "Thunderheart" (1992) and "Geronimo: An American Legend" (1993). His breakout role came in "Dances with Wolves," for which he received a Young Artist Award nomination. Since then, Chasing Horse has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including "The New World" (2005), "Into the West" (2005), and "Hell on Wheels" (2011-2016).

In addition to his acting work, Chasing Horse is also a dedicated activist for Native American rights. He is a member of the Lakota People's Law Project and has worked to protect sacred sites, promote economic development, and improve healthcare for Native Americans. Chasing Horse has also been a vocal critic of the Dakota Access Pipeline and has spoken out against police brutality and racial injustice.

nathan lee chasing horse

Nathan Lee Chasing Horse is an American actor and activist best known for his role as Smiles a Lot in the Academy Award-winning film "Dances with Wolves" (1990). Chasing Horse is an advocate for Native American rights and has been involved in numerous social justice initiatives throughout his career.

  • Lakota actor
  • Activist
  • "Dances with Wolves"
  • Native American rights
  • Social justice
  • Lakota People's Law Project
  • Sacred sites
  • Dakota Access Pipeline
  • Police brutality

Chasing Horse's work as an actor and activist has helped to raise awareness of the challenges facing Native Americans. He has used his platform to speak out against injustice and to promote positive change. Chasing Horse is a role model for Native Americans and for all who believe in the power of social justice.

Lakota actor

Nathan Lee Chasing Horse is a Lakota actor, meaning he is an actor of Lakota descent. The Lakota people are a Native American tribe that is part of the Sioux nation. Chasing Horse is best known for his role as Smiles a Lot in the Academy Award-winning film "Dances with Wolves" (1990). He has also appeared in numerous other films and television shows, including "The New World" (2005), "Into the West" (2005), and "Hell on Wheels" (2011-2016).

Chasing Horse's work as a Lakota actor is important because it helps to increase the visibility of Native Americans in the media. Native Americans have been historically underrepresented in film and television, and Chasing Horse's success as an actor helps to break down stereotypes and create a more accurate portrayal of Native American life.

In addition to his acting work, Chasing Horse is also a dedicated activist for Native American rights. He is a member of the Lakota People's Law Project and has worked to protect sacred sites, promote economic development, and improve healthcare for Native Americans. Chasing Horse has also been a vocal critic of the Dakota Access Pipeline and has spoken out against police brutality and racial injustice.

Chasing Horse is a role model for Native Americans and for all who believe in the power of social justice. His work as a Lakota actor and activist is helping to make the world a more just and equitable place.

Activism

Nathan Lee Chasing Horse is not only an accomplished actor but also a dedicated activist for Native American rights. His activism is closely intertwined with his Lakota heritage and his personal experiences as a Native American in the United States.

  • Protecting Sacred Sites

    Chasing Horse has been a vocal advocate for the protection of sacred Native American sites. He has worked to raise awareness of the importance of these sites to Native American culture and spirituality, and he has opposed efforts to develop or desecrate them.

  • Promoting Economic Development

    Chasing Horse has also worked to promote economic development in Native American communities. He has supported initiatives to create jobs, improve infrastructure, and increase access to education and healthcare.

  • Improving Healthcare

    Chasing Horse has been a strong advocate for improving healthcare for Native Americans. He has worked to increase access to healthcare services, and he has spoken out against the high rates of chronic diseases and health disparities that affect Native American communities.

  • Opposing Injustice

    Chasing Horse has also been a vocal critic of injustice against Native Americans. He has spoken out against police brutality, racial discrimination, and the Dakota Access Pipeline. He has also worked to promote understanding and reconciliation between Native Americans and non-Native Americans.

Chasing Horse's activism is making a real difference in the lives of Native Americans. He is a powerful voice for justice and equality, and he is helping to create a better future for his people.

"Dances with Wolves"

The film "Dances with Wolves" (1990) is a historical epic that tells the story of a US Army lieutenant who is assigned to a remote frontier fort in the Dakota Territory. The film was a critical and commercial success, winning seven Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director. "Dances with Wolves" is notable for its accurate and respectful portrayal of Native American culture, and for its sympathetic depiction of the relationship between the lieutenant and a Lakota Sioux woman.

  • Historical Context

    The film is set during the American Indian Wars of the 1860s and 1870s, a period of conflict between the US government and Native American tribes. The film depicts the devastating impact of the war on Native American communities, and it challenges the prevailing stereotypes of Native Americans as savages.

  • Native American Culture

    The film features a rich and authentic portrayal of Lakota Sioux culture. The film's director, Kevin Costner, worked closely with Lakota elders and cultural advisors to ensure that the film was accurate and respectful. The film depicts Lakota customs, traditions, and spirituality in a positive and nuanced way.

  • Cross-Cultural Relationships

    The film explores the complex and often difficult relationships between Native Americans and white settlers. The lieutenant's relationship with the Lakota woman, Stands With A Fist, is a central focus of the film. The film shows how the two characters learn to understand and respect each other's cultures, and it challenges the racist attitudes that were prevalent at the time.

  • Environmentalism

    The film also contains a strong environmental message. The film depicts the beauty of the Dakota Territory, and it shows how the Native Americans live in harmony with the land. The film also shows the devastating impact that the westward expansion of the United States is having on the environment.

"Dances with Wolves" is a powerful and moving film that provides a unique and valuable perspective on Native American culture and history. The film's accurate and respectful portrayal of Native Americans has helped to break down stereotypes and to promote understanding and reconciliation.

Native American rights

Native American rights are the rights and freedoms that are inherent to Native Americans as the original inhabitants of the United States. Native American rights are protected by treaties, laws, and court decisions. Nathan Lee Chasing Horse is a Lakota actor and activist who has been a vocal advocate for Native American rights throughout his career.

  • Protecting Sacred Sites

    Native Americans have a deep spiritual connection to the land, and many of their sacred sites are located on public lands. Chasing Horse has worked to protect these sacred sites from development and desecration.

  • Promoting Economic Development

    Native Americans face many economic challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to capital. Chasing Horse has worked to promote economic development in Native American communities by supporting job creation, infrastructure improvement, and access to education and healthcare.

  • Improving Healthcare

    Native Americans have higher rates of chronic diseases and health disparities than other Americans. Chasing Horse has worked to improve healthcare for Native Americans by increasing access to healthcare services and advocating for policies that address the unique health needs of Native Americans.

  • Opposing Injustice

    Native Americans continue to face discrimination and injustice in the United States. Chasing Horse has spoken out against police brutality, racial discrimination, and the Dakota Access Pipeline. He has also worked to promote understanding and reconciliation between Native Americans and non-Native Americans.

Chasing Horse's work on behalf of Native American rights is making a real difference in the lives of Native Americans. He is a powerful voice for justice and equality, and he is helping to create a better future for his people.

Social justice

Social justice is the concept of creating a society in which all members have equal access to wealth, health, justice, rights, and opportunity. Nathan Lee Chasing Horse is a Lakota actor and activist who has dedicated his life to fighting for social justice for Native Americans.

  • Protecting Sacred Sites

    Native Americans have a deep spiritual connection to the land, and many of their sacred sites are located on public lands. Chasing Horse has worked to protect these sacred sites from development and desecration. For example, he has been a vocal opponent of the Dakota Access Pipeline, which threatens to damage sacred Lakota burial grounds.

  • Promoting Economic Development

    Native Americans face many economic challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to capital. Chasing Horse has worked to promote economic development in Native American communities by supporting job creation, infrastructure improvement, and access to education and healthcare. For example, he has worked with the Lakota People's Law Project to develop economic development initiatives on the Rosebud Indian Reservation.

  • Improving Healthcare

    Native Americans have higher rates of chronic diseases and health disparities than other Americans. Chasing Horse has worked to improve healthcare for Native Americans by increasing access to healthcare services and advocating for policies that address the unique health needs of Native Americans. For example, he has worked with the Indian Health Service to improve access to mental health services on the Rosebud Indian Reservation.

  • Opposing Injustice

    Native Americans continue to face discrimination and injustice in the United States. Chasing Horse has spoken out against police brutality, racial discrimination, and the Dakota Access Pipeline. He has also worked to promote understanding and reconciliation between Native Americans and non-Native Americans. For example, he has spoken at schools and universities across the country about the history of Native Americans and the challenges they continue to face.

Chasing Horse's work on behalf of social justice is making a real difference in the lives of Native Americans. He is a powerful voice for justice and equality, and he is helping to create a better future for his people.

Lakota People's Law Project

The Lakota People's Law Project (LPLP) is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the rights of the Lakota people. The LPLP was founded in 1980 by a group of Lakota attorneys and activists, including Nathan Lee Chasing Horse. Chasing Horse has been involved with the LPLP since its inception, and he currently serves on the organization's board of directors.

  • Protecting Sacred Sites

    The LPLP has played a leading role in protecting sacred Lakota sites from development and desecration. For example, the LPLP was instrumental in the successful fight to stop the construction of a gold mine on sacred Black Hills land.

  • Promoting Economic Development

    The LPLP works to promote economic development in Lakota communities. The organization provides legal assistance to Lakota businesses and entrepreneurs, and it also works to attract new businesses to Lakota reservations.

  • Improving Healthcare

    The LPLP works to improve healthcare for Lakota people. The organization provides legal assistance to Lakota individuals and families who are struggling to access healthcare services, and it also works to advocate for policies that improve the health of Lakota communities.

  • Opposing Injustice

    The LPLP opposes injustice against Lakota people. The organization provides legal assistance to Lakota people who have been victims of discrimination or other forms of injustice, and it also works to advocate for policies that protect the rights of Lakota people.

The LPLP is a vital organization that is working to protect the rights of the Lakota people. Nathan Lee Chasing Horse has been a key figure in the LPLP since its inception, and he continues to play an important role in the organization's work.

Sacred sites

Sacred sites are places that are considered to be holy or spiritual by a particular culture or religion. These sites may be natural landmarks, such as mountains or rivers, or they may be man-made structures, such as temples or churches. Sacred sites are often used for religious ceremonies, rituals, and prayers.

Nathan Lee Chasing Horse is a Lakota actor and activist who has been a vocal advocate for the protection of sacred Native American sites. Chasing Horse has worked to raise awareness of the importance of these sites to Native American culture and spirituality, and he has opposed efforts to develop or desecrate them.

There are many reasons why sacred sites are important to Nathan Lee Chasing Horse and other Native Americans. First, these sites are often seen as the dwelling places of spirits or ancestors. As such, they are considered to be sacred and worthy of respect. Second, sacred sites are often used for religious ceremonies and rituals. These ceremonies and rituals are an important part of Native American culture and spirituality, and they help to connect Native Americans to their ancestors and to the natural world. Third, sacred sites are often seen as symbols of Native American identity and sovereignty. They are a reminder of the long history and culture of Native Americans, and they help to connect Native Americans to their land and to their heritage.

Nathan Lee Chasing Horse's work to protect sacred Native American sites is an important part of his activism. By protecting these sites, Chasing Horse is helping to preserve Native American culture and spirituality. He is also helping to ensure that future generations of Native Americans will be able to connect with their heritage and to the natural world.

Dakota Access Pipeline

The Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) is a 1,172-mile-long underground oil pipeline that transports crude oil from North Dakota to Illinois. The pipeline was built by Energy Transfer Partners, a Dallas-based energy company. Construction of the pipeline began in 2016 and was completed in 2017. The pipeline has been controversial since its inception, with Native American tribes and environmental groups opposing its construction.

Nathan Lee Chasing Horse is a Lakota actor and activist who has been a vocal opponent of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Chasing Horse has spoken out against the pipeline at protests and rallies, and he has also testified before Congress about the pipeline's potential impact on Native American sacred sites and water resources.

The Dakota Access Pipeline is important to Nathan Lee Chasing Horse because it threatens the sacred land and water of his people. The pipeline crosses the Missouri River, which is a sacred river to the Lakota people. The pipeline also crosses the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, which is home to many Lakota people. Chasing Horse believes that the pipeline poses a threat to the environment and to the health and safety of his people.

Chasing Horse's opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline is part of his larger commitment to protecting the rights of Native Americans. Chasing Horse is a member of the Lakota People's Law Project, a non-profit organization that provides legal assistance to Native Americans. Chasing Horse has also worked to promote economic development and improve healthcare on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation.

The Dakota Access Pipeline is a complex issue with a long history. Nathan Lee Chasing Horse is one of many people who have spoken out against the pipeline. His voice is an important one, and it is one that should be heard.

Police brutality

Police brutality is a serious problem in the United States. It disproportionately affects people of color, including Native Americans. Nathan Lee Chasing Horse is a Lakota actor and activist who has spoken out against police brutality. He has personally experienced police brutality, and he has seen the devastating effects it can have on Native American communities.

In 2014, Chasing Horse was arrested for protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline. He was pepper-sprayed and beaten by police officers. Chasing Horse's experience is not unique. Native Americans are more likely to be stopped, searched, and arrested by police than white people. They are also more likely to be subjected to excessive force.

Police brutality has a number of negative consequences for Native American communities. It can lead to physical injuries, psychological trauma, and even death. It can also damage trust between Native Americans and law enforcement. This can make it difficult for Native Americans to report crimes or to cooperate with police investigations.

Nathan Lee Chasing Horse is a powerful voice for justice. He is using his platform to speak out against police brutality and to demand change. He is working to build bridges between Native Americans and law enforcement. He is also working to educate people about the history of police brutality against Native Americans.

Police brutality is a serious problem that has a devastating impact on Native American communities. Nathan Lee Chasing Horse is a powerful voice for change. He is working to build bridges between Native Americans and law enforcement, and he is educating people about the history of police brutality against Native Americans.

FAQs about Nathan Lee Chasing Horse

Nathan Lee Chasing Horse is a Lakota actor and activist who has dedicated his life to fighting for social justice. He is best known for his role as Smiles a Lot in the Academy Award-winning film "Dances with Wolves" (1990). Chasing Horse is a vocal advocate for Native American rights, and he has worked on a number of issues, including protecting sacred sites, promoting economic development, improving healthcare, and opposing injustice.

Question 1: What is Nathan Lee Chasing Horse's background?

Answer: Nathan Lee Chasing Horse is a Lakota actor and activist. He was born on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota in 1976. Chasing Horse began his acting career in the early 1990s, and he has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including "Dances with Wolves," "The New World," "Into the West," and "Hell on Wheels."

Question 2: What is Nathan Lee Chasing Horse's activism focused on?

Answer: Nathan Lee Chasing Horse is a vocal advocate for Native American rights. He has worked on a number of issues, including protecting sacred sites, promoting economic development, improving healthcare, and opposing injustice.

Question 3: What is the Lakota People's Law Project?

Answer: The Lakota People's Law Project (LPLP) is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the rights of the Lakota people. Chasing Horse has been involved with the LPLP since its inception, and he currently serves on the organization's board of directors.

Question 4: What is the Dakota Access Pipeline?

Answer: The Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) is a 1,172-mile-long underground oil pipeline that transports crude oil from North Dakota to Illinois. Chasing Horse is a vocal opponent of the DAPL, and he has spoken out against the pipeline at protests and rallies.

Question 5: What is police brutality?

Answer: Police brutality is the use of excessive force by police officers. Chasing Horse has spoken out against police brutality, and he has personally experienced police brutality.

Question 6: What is Nathan Lee Chasing Horse's legacy?

Answer: Nathan Lee Chasing Horse is a powerful voice for justice. He is using his platform to speak out against injustice and to demand change. He is working to build bridges between Native Americans and law enforcement, and he is educating people about the history of police brutality against Native Americans.

Summary of key takeaways or final thought:

Nathan Lee Chasing Horse is a Lakota actor and activist who has dedicated his life to fighting for social justice. He is a vocal advocate for Native American rights, and he has worked on a number of issues, including protecting sacred sites, promoting economic development, improving healthcare, and opposing injustice. Chasing Horse is a powerful voice for justice, and he is using his platform to demand change.

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Next Article Section

Tips from Nathan Lee Chasing Horse

Nathan Lee Chasing Horse is a Lakota actor and activist who has dedicated his life to fighting for social justice. He is a vocal advocate for Native American rights, and he has worked on a number of issues, including protecting sacred sites, promoting economic development, improving healthcare, and opposing injustice.

Here are five tips from Nathan Lee Chasing Horse:

Tip 1: Be respectful

When interacting with Native Americans, it is important to be respectful of their culture and traditions. This means listening to what they have to say, respecting their elders, and avoiding making any assumptions about them.

Tip 2: Be an ally

Native Americans face many challenges, including racism, discrimination, and poverty. As an ally, you can help to support them by speaking out against injustice, educating others about the issues they face, and supporting Native American-owned businesses.

Tip 3: Protect sacred sites

Sacred sites are places that are of great spiritual significance to Native Americans. These sites are often threatened by development, pollution, and other forms of desecration. You can help to protect sacred sites by learning about them, supporting organizations that are working to protect them, and speaking out against any threats to them.

Tip 4: Promote economic development

Economic development is essential for Native American communities. You can help to promote economic development by supporting Native American-owned businesses, investing in Native American communities, and advocating for policies that support Native American economic development.

Tip 5: Oppose injustice

Native Americans face many forms of injustice, including police brutality, racial profiling, and environmental racism. You can help to oppose injustice by speaking out against it, supporting organizations that are working to fight injustice, and advocating for policies that protect Native American rights.

Summary of key takeaways or benefits:

By following these tips, you can help to make a difference in the lives of Native Americans. You can help to create a more just and equitable world for all.

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Conclusion

Conclusion

Nathan Lee Chasing Horse is a powerful voice for justice. He is using his platform to speak out against injustice, to demand change, and to build bridges between Native Americans and non-Native Americans. Chasing Horse's work is making a real difference in the lives of Native Americans, and he is an inspiration to all who believe in the power of social justice.

We must all learn from Chasing Horse's example. We must all speak out against injustice, and we must all work to create a more just and equitable world for all.

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Dances With Wolves star Nathan Chasing Horse arrested on suspicion of
Dances With Wolves star Nathan Chasing Horse arrested on suspicion of
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Nathan Chasing Horse arrested in sex abuse case CTV News