Apesanahkwat facts for kids

Apesanahkwat (born January 19, 1949) is a Native American tribal leader, activist, and a film and television actor. He has dedicated his life to serving his community and sharing his culture.

Apesanahkwat was the tribal chairman of the Menominee Indian Reservation eight times. He also served in the United States Marine Corps and is a veteran of the Vietnam War. He is well-known for playing American Indian characters in movies and TV shows. Some of his famous roles are in Wind River, Northern Exposure, and Babylon 5. He also enjoys competing in Powwows as a northern traditional dancer.

A Leader and Actor

Serving His People

Apesanahkwat was chosen as the Menominee Nation’s chairman eight times. As chairman, he spoke out many times about unfair treatment faced by Native American tribes. For example, in 1989, he protested against racism towards indigenous groups at a rally in Lac du Flambeau.

As chairman, Apesanahkwat also represented the Menominee tribe at a national level. He helped present important laws, like the "Indian Tribal Conflict Resolution, Tort Claims and Risk Management Act of 1998." This act aimed to help tribes solve problems and manage risks.

Speaking Up for Culture

In March 2004, Apesanahkwat was the main speaker at a special event in New Mexico. This event was called the Language and Culture Preservation Conference. It was hosted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs' Office of Indian Education Programs (OIEP). The goal was to show how important it is to keep Native American languages and cultures alive.

As the keynote speaker, Apesanahkwat asked his community to take action. He stressed how important it was to help Native American people regain their voice. Apesanahkwat also helped create the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). This law helps guide how Native American tribes can run gaming businesses.

A Veteran's Journey

Apesanahkwat was twenty years old when he served in the Vietnam War. After the war, he experienced PTSD, which stands for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. This is a condition that can affect people after very stressful events.

To help himself heal from his experiences, he reconnected with his Native American traditions. Apesanahkwat believes that no one should have to go through war. Since his time in Vietnam, he has been a strong supporter of raising awareness about PTSD.

Movies and TV Shows

Apesanahkwat has had many roles in both movies and television. He often plays Native American characters, bringing important stories to the screen.

On the Big Screen

On Television