At 73, Tantoo Cardinal isn’t just an acclaimed actress, she’s a living testament to the enduring power of storytelling. With over 120 film and television projects under her belt, from iconic roles in Dances with Wolves and Legends of the Fall to recent triumphs in Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon and Marvel’s Echo, she continues to redefine what it means to be an Indigenous actress in Hollywood. Her journey is a tapestry woven with resilience, artistic prowess, and a steadfast commitment to authenticity.

Cardinal’s career spans decades, reflecting the dramatic evolution of Hollywood itself. “When I first came to Hollywood,” she muses, “the only time you would see an Indigenous performer in any of these shows, whether it be a sitcom or whatever, there had to be some reason that the Indian was there. There was no such thing as an Indigenous actor just being able to play a character without some reason for them being Indigenous.”

But the winds of change are undeniable. “There’s now more diversity in the environments of storytelling,” she observes, acknowledging the increasing prominence of Indigenous voices both behind and in front of the camera. This resonates deeply with Cardinal, who views it as part of a collective societal awakening. “Now we’re in a place where we ourselves are telling our stories and I suppose now experiencing our own evolutionary process in terms of storytelling.”

This commitment to authenticity and self-representation shines through in every role she chooses. From the historical depth of Dances with Wolves to the groundbreaking superhero portrayal in Echo, Cardinal consistently champions characters that defy stereotypes and showcase the vibrant spectrum of Indigenous experiences. “These are new times,” she says. “There is so much more possibility now — with the world becoming more diverse — to bring forward those stories we never thought would or could be told.”

Cardinal’s latest film, Killers of the Flower Moon, places her alongside Hollywood royalty like Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro. Sharing the screen with such legends, she says, is an enriching experience.

“I always appreciate being able to work with the big pros, but — as I often say — no more than any other dedicated, talented actor,” she clarifies. “Where I first got a sense of that world of working with professional actors was in Legends of the Fall with Anthony Hopkins, Brad Pitt, and Aiden Quinn. With those guys, same as with De Niro and DiCaprio, they all love what they do and they’re faithful to the craft. I once worked with an actor who worked solely with the camera… but with these pros you mention, their fellow actor is the focus,” Cardinal shares with GRAZIA USA.

Her SAG Award nomination alongside DiCaprio and De Niro stands as a testament to her captivating performance. Yet, for Cardinal, the true significance lies in the recognition of the collective effort. “To be nominated with the cast of a film is an honor, especially with a cast of actors you respect,” she says, crediting Scorsese for creating a space where her own lived experiences could enrich the narrative.

“I was able to offer a life experience in my death scene, which I feel was a touch of authenticity. My grandmother had shown me her passing. I offered it in this movie and Mr. Scorsese did a beautiful job in first, accepting it and then designing the shooting of it,” Cardinal reveals, highlighting the power of shared humanity transcending cultural divides.

Cardinal’s impact extends beyond the silver screen. Her involvement in Echo marks a historic milestone for Indigenous representation in the superhero genre. “I think it has been in dream mode within our communities for a very long time,” she says with enthusiasm. “I know I had dreams of playing a superhero all my days. I always felt the strength we have as a people would serve us well in any tough guy/gal narrative. For myself, raised in a bush community, you have to be tough, strong, and innovative. Perfect superhero material.”

But her vision extends beyond mere inclusion. It’s not just about visibility, it’s about reclaiming her community’s own myths and legends, weaving them into these contemporary narratives, and sharing them with the world. This, she believes, is a pivotal step towards dismantling stereotypes and fostering genuine understanding.

“When I was first offered the role, it was sedentary,” the actress further explains. “I offered another version and because the creative team that approached me for the project was Indigenous/Native, I was able to offer my version of the character as I saw her, which connected to the vast expanse of Ancestors available throughout our life experiences.”

As Cardinal embarks on new creative endeavors, one thing remains constant: her unwavering commitment to her craft and her community. Her advice for aspiring actors, particularly those facing stereotypes and ageism, is as powerful as it is straight-forward: “This is no time for stereotypes, in general, to hold us back. There is so much new information, truths coming to the surface. This is another Renaissance…,” she urges, “they keep occurring as we roll along. This is a great time to listen to your intuitive self and claim your authenticity.”

Beyond the upcoming SAG Awards ceremony, the future holds endless possibilities for Tantoo Cardinal. She is a seasoned visionary, an artist who has consistently pushed boundaries and redefined expectations. As she continues to soar higher, guided by her unwavering spirit and commitment to storytelling, the world eagerly awaits the next chapter in her extraordinary journey.