Nathaniel Arcand facts for kids

Nathaniel Arcand (born November 13, 1971) is a Canadian actor from Edmonton, Alberta. He is a member of the Nēhilawē, which is also known as the Plains Cree.

Arcand became well-known for his role as William MacNeil in the Canadian TV show North of 60. He played the character for three seasons. William was a smart but troubled teenager who was often misunderstood. For this role, Arcand was nominated for a Gemini Award in 1997. The Gemini Awards were like the Canadian version of the Emmys, celebrating the best in Canadian television.

Life and Career

Nathaniel Arcand grew up in Edmonton, Alberta. He is from the Buffalo Lake Metis Settlement and is proud of his Plains Cree heritage. His mother and great-grandparents were very important people in his life, offering him support as he grew up.

Arcand has three children. His daughter is named Trisha O'Chiese, and his two sons are Jaden Plaizier and Griffin Powell-Arcand. His son Griffin is also an actor.

Famous Roles in TV and Film

Nathaniel Arcand has acted in many popular TV shows and movies. One of his longest roles was playing Scott Cardinal in the CBC series Heartland. Scott is the local veterinarian in the town of Hudson.

He also played Victor Merasty in the series Blackstone. This show explored the lives of people in a small Plains Cree community. More recently, you might have seen him as Mato Summerhill in the Netflix series My Life with the Walter Boys or as Chief Arnook in Avatar: The Last Airbender.

In movies, Arcand played Nathan in the film Two Indians Talking. This movie was very popular and won an award at the 2010 Vancouver International Film Festival. He also had roles in major films like Cold Pursuit and Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon.

Selected Filmography

Nathaniel Arcand has a long list of acting credits. Here are some of his most well-known projects.

Movies

• Grey Owl (1999) - as Ned White Bear
• American Outlaws (2001) - as Comanche Tom
• Ginger Snaps Back: The Beginning (2003) - as Hunter
• Elektra (2005) - as Ninja #1
• Pathfinder (2006) - as Wind in Tree
• Two Indians Talking (2010) - as Nathan
• Cold Pursuit (2019) - as Smoke
• Monkey Beach (2020) - as Albert
• Killers of the Flower Moon (2023) - as Ancestor Warrior

Television Shows

• North of 60 (1994–1997) - as William MacNeil
• Smallville (2004) - as Jeremiah Holdsclaw in the episode "Talisman"
• Into the West (2005) - as Brings Horse
• Heartland (2007–2022) - as Scott Cardinal
• Blackstone (2011) - as Victor Merasty
• Longmire (2012) - as Avo in the first episode
• Supernatural (2017) - as Derek Swan in the episode "The Bad Place"
• FBI: Most Wanted (2020) - as Special Agent Clinton Skye
• My Life with the Walter Boys (2023) - as Mato Summerhill
• Avatar: The Last Airbender (2024) - as Chief Arnook

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Nathaniel Arcand has been recognized for his talent.

• 2005: Won Best Supporting Actor at the American Indian Film Festival for the movie Johnny Tootall.
• 2006: Received the Performing Arts Award from Aboriginal Role Models of Alberta.
• 2010: Nominated for Best Actor at both the Winnipeg Aboriginal Film Festival and the American Indian Motion Picture awards for his role in Two Indians Talking.