Indigenous Studies student Nakoda Ward discusses his experience on set
Photo via History.com.
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this article refers to Ward’s role as “Young Chief Gall.” This article has been updated to correctly reflect a change made to casting after the article was published, where Ward’s role was changed to “Young Crow King.”
On May 27 and 28, a new documentary featuring a UVic student will premiere on the History Channel. Sitting Bull follows the leader of the Lakota Nation and their fight against George Armstrong Custer and his forces at the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876 in an ongoing battle of resistance against the U.S. government.
Playing Young Crow King, one of Sitting Bull’s allies, is fourth year Indigenous Studies student Nakoda Ward. The Martlet spoke with Ward over email about the experience, along with Indigenous Studies professor Dr. Jeff Ganohalidoh Corntassel, and Sitting Bull co-director Christopher Nataanii Cegielski.
This article has been edited for clarity and concision.
How did you get involved with this documentary?
Ward: I first sent in a self-tape, then got a callback to audition over Zoom with the casting director and our directors, Chris and Phil. I didn’t hear back for a couple of weeks until I got a call from my agent letting me know I booked the role. I was with my friends when I got the call, and I jumped up and ran to them as if I’d just been drafted into the NFL.
What was it like acting in a documentary? I’d imagine that a documentary will call for historical accuracy — when acting, do you find this illuminating, restrictive, or both?
Ward: I was taught that acting is ‘living truthfully under imaginary circumstances.’ This project is a recreation of events from a significant moment in Lakota history, and going into it, I really just focused on immersing myself in that point of time and the story we were bringing to life.
Thankfully, the incredible creative team behind the project was there every step of the way — making sure the history was honoured while giving us, as actors, the space to grow and fully embody our roles.
What was the experience like working with cast and crew?
Ward: Everyone on set was amazing. Every day, people showed up ready to work, but we always made time to have fun. Laughter is good medicine, and there was definitely no shortage of it on Sitting Bull. I especially got to bond with my scene partners — between takes, we’d joke around and mess with each other like true brothers.
Cegielski: This project was an amazing experience on so many levels. Our talented cast of Native actors brought it every single day, working together to bring this story to life and pouring themselves into it.
I had a lot of fun working with actors like [Ward] and the other younger Native actors. It makes me proud seeing them do their thing, coming onto a bigger set with confidence and poise. [I’m] excited to see them take off in their careers!
Would you work on another, similar project again in the future?
Ward: Absolutely. Film is such a strong vessel for Indigenous Peoples to tell stories, and I am really grateful that I got to be part of that.
From the trailer it seems that the documentary will be focused on the Battle of Little Bighorn — or will it cover more from Sitting Bull’s life before and after?
Ward: My scenes touch on Sitting Bull’s early life. As for the rest, I’ll be watching and learning as an audience member too.
How do you balance historical accuracy and entertainment?
Corntassel: Historical accuracy should come first. Indigenous oral histories and accounts are very precise — especially when they’re expressed in our languages. With that said, there’s always room for interpretation by subsequent generations, which is why these are living histories. Ultimately, Indigenous Peoples are not here to entertain others — we’re here to recount our sacred living histories in ways that honour our ancestors.
In 2025, what does it mean to work on a story about Indigenous resistance?
Ward: To me, stories about Indigenous resistance today are a powerful form of reclamation. It’s a way of taking back how our histories have been told, and often misrepresented, in the past.
Corntassel: In this era of geopolitical turmoil and autocratic governance, stories of Indigenous resurgence and resistance are much needed to highlight what liberation and freedom look like for Indigenous Nations and Peoples.
Now more than ever, we need to draw on the creative and effective ways that Indigenous Peoples resist ongoing colonization in everyday ways — and understand our long, vibrant histories of resistance to unjust policies and colonial encroachments. [Ward] reflects the future leadership of our Nations, and he is asserting Indigenous self-determining authority by representing ourselves on our own terms. [Ward] is part of larger Indigenous movements, and struggles for resurgence so that future generations will thrive.
What do you hope audiences will take away from the documentary?
Ward: I hope audiences walk away with a deeper understanding of the Lakota people’s rich history and the powerful resistance they showed against Custer and his forces. Over the generations, Indigenous Peoples have resisted colonial violence, each in their own way and capacity.
