Lights, Camera and Action: Tantoo Cardinal

Produced and directed by Jeff Bear and Marianne Jones
Urban Rez Productions
24 minutes per part • 2007
Available on VHS and DVD

Tantoo Cardinal defies stereotypes. In the early 1980s, during a time when very few indigenous women were seen on the big screen, her acting career met with considerable success. With over 50 films and television programs to her credit, including Dances with Wolves, Legends of the Fall and Black Robe, Cardinal is now one of the most recognized indigenous actors around. Through her consistent portrayal of strong women she honors the power of women as a fundamental force that demands respect. After many years in the film industry in Hollywood, Cardinal acknowledged a need to return to her roots in Alberta to reconnect with her own community.

In 2004, her debut short story was published in Our Story, an anthology of indigenous writing including such authors as Thomas King and Lee Maracle. Cardinal received a Gemini in 1996 for her work on North of 60 and the National Aboriginal Achievement Award in 1998. In March 2006, she received the Sun Hill award from the renowned Harvard Film Archives.

Subject(s): Artists, Authors, Filmmaking, Indigenous people