Hollywood's Native Americans: Stories of Identity and Resistance

This book explores the contributions and careers of Native Americans in Hollywood, highlighting their advocacy for their heritage and the impact of their behind-the-scenes activities on their movie images. It features leading Native American actors and filmmakers, showcasing their roles in shaping the representation of Native Americans in Hollywood.

Format: Hardback
Length: 234 pages
Publication date: 06 April 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

This captivating book delves into the remarkable contributions and flourishing careers of Native Americans who have made their mark in Hollywood,spanning from the early 1900s' silent film era to the present. It sheds light on how these individuals have become passionate advocates for their heritage, shaping the narrative of their communities on the big screen. Through in-depth exploration, this book uncovers the profound impact of Native American actors and filmmakers on the portrayal of their culture in movies. It highlights the longstanding screen presence of Native artists, who have made significant contributions to the film industry for over a century, yet their presence has often gone unnoticed. From the silent era to contemporary films, this book showcases prominent Native American actors whose powerful voices have resonated with a broad audience, contributing to the ongoing dialogue about the exploitation of underrepresented groups in Hollywood. Each chapter delves into the lives and work of Native actors who have taken on lead or supporting roles, as well as filmmakers whose movies have received financing and distribution from Hollywood studios. Furthermore, the text delves into the intricate ways in which a pan-Indian heritage, encompassing aspects of spirituality, historical trauma, and a unique version of ceremony and storytelling, has shaped the movie identities of these performers. This book appeals to a diverse readership, including fans of Westerns, history enthusiasts of American popular cinema, and students and scholars of Native American studies.

A note from the author: Since the publication of this book, the CBC news magazine The Fifth Estate released an investigative documentary on October 27, 2023, alleging that Buffy Sainte-Marie had been fraudulently posing as a Native Canadian throughout her career.

Weight: 504g
Dimension: 242 x 164 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781440871566