- Jan 21, 2025
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At the recent Emmy Awards, D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, the acclaimed star of "Reservation Dogs," made waves—not just for his nomination, but for the powerful statement he conveyed on the red carpet. Dressed in a sleek black tuxedo, Woon-A-Tai sported a striking red handprint across his mouth, a compelling symbol of the ongoing crisis faced by Indigenous women across North America.
At just 22 years old and of Oji-Cree descent, Woon-A-Tai became the first Indigenous North American nominated for a lead acting role at the Emmys, according to Variety. His recognition is monumental not only for his career but also for representation within the entertainment industry.
The red handprint over his mouth is emblematic of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) movement, which seeks to raise awareness about the alarming rates of violence against Indigenous women and girls. This movement highlights the urgent need to amplify the voices of those who have been silenced.
On Instagram, Woon-A-Tai expressed his sentiment, stating, “I did this for those who are not here, neither for me nor for you.” His commitment to advocating for those who have been lost is profound, especially in light of the staggering statistics regarding violence against Indigenous women:
The Canadian government has recognized this crisis, launching a national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in 2016. The inquiry concluded that the situation constitutes a "race-based genocide" against Indigenous peoples, particularly women. Amnesty International has echoed this sentiment, labeling it a "genocidal crisis."
In a statement to the Canadian Press, Woon-A-Tai reflected on the significance of his Emmy nomination, asserting, “I don’t know how much an Emmy will do to solve the problems we face daily, but it gives hope. It shows a child from a reservation that they too can be on that stage and achieve greatness.”
Woon-A-Tai's nomination for his role as Bear Smallhill in FX's groundbreaking series "Reservation Dogs" is pivotal. This series is notable for being the first American show entirely written and directed by Indigenous creators, featuring a predominantly Indigenous cast and crew. It offers a refreshing perspective on the lives of four Indigenous teenagers living in a reservation in Oklahoma.
Additionally, this year marked a significant achievement for Indigenous representation at the Emmys, with actresses Kali Reis and Lily Gladstone also making history as the first Indigenous women nominated for acting awards.
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