LAS VEGAS (AP) — Nathan Chasing Horse, an actor known for his role in 'Dances With Wolves', has been found guilty by a Nevada jury of sexually assaulting Indigenous women and girls, an outcome that resonates deeply within Indian Country.
The jury's decision, which resulted in 13 convictions from the 21 charges brought against him, particularly highlighted Chasing Horse's abuse of a victim who was only 14 when the assaults began. While he was acquitted of other charges, the guilty verdicts, announced on Friday, signal a grim acknowledgment of the persistent issues surrounding sexual violence against Native communities.
At 49 years of age, Chasing Horse is now facing a minimum of 25 years in prison. His sentencing is slated for March 11. In addition to the charges in Nevada, he faces further allegations in other states and in Canada, with British Columbia prosecutors planning to address further actions post his sentencing in the U.S.
The prosecution had built a case against Chasing Horse that spanned several years, with arrests and indictments finally leading to the trial that captivated the nation. Prosecutors argued that Chasing Horse exploited his reputation as a Lakota medicine man to target vulnerable Indigenous women and girls, thereby weaving a 'web of abuse' over nearly two decades.
As the verdict was read, emotional scenes unfolded in the courtroom with victims and advocates expressing relief and hope for future protection against such violence. Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson remarked that today's verdict sends a powerful message against exploitation, reinforcing that abuse will not be tolerated irrespective of the perpetrator’s public image or claimed spiritual authority.
Chasing Horse, born on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, enjoyed fame as a Native actor, and his involvement in 'Dances with Wolves', released in 1990, marked a significant milestone for Indigenous representation in Hollywood. His trial and conviction come at a time when there is increasing awareness and response to the epidemic of violence against Native women, an issue that continues to demand urgent attention.
The main accuser recounted traumatic experiences, stating that Chasing Horse manipulated her with threats tied to her mother's illness. In contrast, defense attorney Craig Mueller expressed confusion over the jury's verdict, indicating plans for an appeal.
Chasing Horse's conviction serves as a crucial reminder of the systemic challenges faced by Indigenous communities in seeking justice and safeguarding their members from violence.
