Apesanahkwat

Apesanahkwat (born January 19, 1949) is a Native American tribal leader, activist, and film and television actor.

Personal life Apesanahkwat served as tribal chairman of the Menominee Indian Reservation eight times. He served in the United States Marine Corps and is a Vietnam War veteran. He is known for playing American Indian roles in such films and television series as Wind River, Northern Exposure, Stolen Women, Captured Hearts, Bagdad Cafe, and Babylon 5. He has competed in various Powwows across the United States as a northern traditional dancer. In 1989, during a rally at Lac du Flambea, Apesanahkwat protested against racism towards indigenous groups.

In March 2004, Apesanahkwat was the official keynote speaker at the Language and Culture Preservation Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which was hosted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Indian Education Programs (OIEP). This event was meant to spread awareness of the importance of preserving Indian culture though language. Being the keynote speaker, Apesanahkwat called to action his community, stating the importance of giving back the Indian people their voice. Apesanahkwat is also known as one of the originators of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (GRA).

Military history Apesanhkwat was 20 years old when he entered the Vietnam War. After the war ended, Apesanahkwat suffered from PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). After his traumatic experiences at war, he reconnected with his indigenous roots as a form of healing. When discussing his thoughts on war, Apesanahkwat says he believes that no man should have to experience it. Since Vietnam, he has been an active voice for his community as a supporter for PTSD awareness.

Filmography Film Year Title Role Notes 1987 Bagdad Cafe Sheriff Arnie 1994 Sioux City Clifford Rainfeather 2001 Lady in the Box Felix 2004 The Reawakening Henry Johnson / Dark Spirit Being 2005 The Rain Makers Joe Crying Eagle 2010 Nightbeasts Louis Freebird as Apesanahquat 2017 Wind River Dan Crowheart

Television Year Title Role Notes 1985 Tall Tales & Legends Interpreter Episode: "Annie Oakley" 1993 Harts of the West Andrew Episode: "Auggie's End" 1993–1995 Northern Exposure Lester Haines Recurring role; 5 episodes 1994 Gunsmoke: One Man's Justice Six Eyes Television film 1994–1995 Walker, Texas Ranger Raymond Firewalker Guest role; 3 episodes 1995 Babylon 5 Telepath No. 1 Episode: "A Race Through Dark Places" 1995 Siringo Chinonero Television film 1995 CBS Schoolbreak Special Elder Episode: "My Indian Summer" 1996 Goode Behavior Chief Steve Davis Episode: "Goode Samaritan" 1997 Stolen Women: Captured Hearts Bloody Knife Television film 1997 North of 60 Senator Jack Harper Episode: "Love Hurts" 2002 Skinwalkers Captain Butler Television film 2004 Helter Skelter Guard Duty Cop Television film 2015 Longmire Cheyenne Man Episode: "Down by the River" 2016 Ray Donovan Wovoka Guest role; 2 episodes