The character of Chief from Wonder Woman was played by Eugene Brave Rock who is from the Kanaii reserve in Southern Alberta. He took the inspiration for his character from real life WWI hero Mike Mountain Horse who is also from southern AB.
In the film Chief greets Diana in Blackfoot. Shortly after they have a conversation about how his people’s land was taken away by Steve’s people.
This is how you have First Nations representation: cast First Nations actors, draw from historical First Nations heroes and if they are going to speak a First Nations language cast someone who is part of that Nation!
He also personally created his whole look. Instead of the costume designer doing what they think a native man would wear. He included things that would have personal significance to his character, not because it looks “Indian” *side-eyes the lone ranger*
Not only did Eugene Brave Rock create Chief’s whole look, he did it because they asked him to. It was a case of, “you know this, please help us do it right.” He showed up on screen and I saw that hat and my heart was immediately happy because that is not a hat you see on Native people in Hollywood, that is a hat you see on actual Native people. That was my first inkling that Chief’s character wouldn’t hurt me. And then he introduces himself to Diana. And Patty is a gift because she didn’t caption it. And it made that line a gift to Native (especially Blackfoot) viewers, because it said, this is for you. I have a lot of feelings about both Napi and Eugene Brave Rock and they are all full of heart eyes.
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