Indigenous Exceptionalism

Native American portrayals in the media have come a long way since Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show’s, opens a new window early representations. This year has seen an unprecedented uptick in positive authentic Indigenous representation in pop culture.

Check out these influential Indigenous people.

They are only a few of the Natives who are changing the way Native Americans are portrayed in American culture.

Lily Gladstone - Actor

Gladstone won a Golden Globe for Best Actress and was nominated for an Oscar for the film adaptation of Killers of the Flower Moon. During awards season, she took to the red-carpet showcasing designs by Indigenous artists. She takes roles that defy stereotypes like her role in Under the Bridge, while championing Indigenous filmmakers such as her support of Reservation Dogs and Fancy Dance.

Matika Wilbur – Author/Podcaster

Wilbur has a mission to decolonizing Indigenous spaces. To write her book Project 562, she traveled all over the United States and Canada to meet with people from over 500 tribal nations. The book includes stories from about 300 of those people. She continues to collect stories on her podcast, All My Relations, opens a new window, that aims to take on tough topics in Native communities.

Snotty Nose Rez Kids – Musicians

This hip-hop duo from Canada has changed the face of Indigenous music with their catchy songs and playful lyrics. They primarily rap about the Native experience incorporating rez slang and Indigenous languages, while weaving in traditional instruments and sounds. Their newest album entitled Red Future was released in 2024, but my favorite song theirs is Bougee Natives, opens a new window.

Deb Haaland – Politician

As US Secretary of the Interior, Haaland is the first Native American to serve as a cabinet secretary. In her role, she has advocated for environmental justice, created the Missing and Murdered Unit, opens a new window within the Bureau of Indian Affairs and done great work to investigate the tragedies of boarding schools, opens a new window. She is pioneering better relationships between the US Government and Native American communities.

Elias Jade Not Afraid, opens a new window – Beadwork artist/fashion designer

Not Afraid used traditional patterns, imagery and materials to make beautiful jewelry, accessories and clothing. His bead work is on display at the Metropolitan Museum in New York City among other museums. His designs have been worn on the red carpet by Lily Gladstone, who also wore one of his pieces on the cover of Vogue Magazine.

Sean Sherman – Chef/Restaurateur 

Sherman, also known as The Sioux Chef, opens a new window, is working to decolonize the food we eat. He promotes use of foods indigenous to the Americas, only cooking with ingredients found here before colonization. His book, The Sioux Chef's Indigenous Kitchen has won many awards and his recipes have been featured in the New York Times. His restaurant, Owamni, won the James Bearn Foundation’s Best New Restaurant of 2022.

Darcie Little Badger – Author

Little Badger is a scientist, advocate, and author. She primarily writes modern fantasy stories that are steeped in Lipan Apache mythology while still incorporating many scientific elements as well as LGBTQIA+ representation. Her book A Snake Falls to Earth won a 2022 Newbury Honor.

Sterlin Harjo – Film and Television producer/director

Harjo was the driving force behind the award-winning show Reservation Dogs, opens a new window which was recently nominated for several Emmy awards including Best Comedy Series. He is a champion of Indigenous storytelling through film and television primarily employing Native talent in front of the camera as well as behind the scenes. His most recent writing endeavor, Rez Ball, opens a new window was just released on Netflix.