Chief Dan George
Chief Dan George (born Geswanouth Slahoot) was a Tsleil-Waututh Nation chief, actor, poet, and activist. He was born on July 24, 1899, on the Burrard Reserve in North Vancouver, British Columbia. After attending a residential school, where he received the English name Dan George, he worked various jobs before beginning his acting career at age 60. He became widely known for his role as Old Lodge Skins in "Little Big Man" (1970), earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. George also authored poetry collections, including "My Heart Soars" and "My Spirit Soars." He was a prominent advocate for Indigenous rights and cultural understanding, using his platform to challenge stereotypes and promote positive representation of Indigenous peoples. He died on September 23, 1981.
Awards
['New York Film Critics Circle Award, best supporting actor, Little Big Man (1970)', 'Academy Award nomination, actor in a supporting role, Little Big Man (1971)', 'Golden Globe Award nomination, best performance by an actor in a supporting role – Motion Picture, Little Big Man (1971)', 'Golden Laurel, best male supporting performance, Little Big Man (1971)', 'National Society of Film Critics Award, supporting actor, Little Big Man (1970)', 'Canadian Council of Christians and Jews, Human Relations Award (1971)', 'Officer of the Order of Canada (1971)']
Notable Works
['My Heart Soars', 'My Spirit Soars', 'Lament for Confederation', 'Little Big Man (film)', 'The Outlaw Josey Wales (film)']
