Blood Tribe actor living a Hollywood dream with ‘Wonder Woman’ role
He may have a role in a major blockbuster movie, but the Blood Tribe’s Eugene Brave Rock most cherishes being a role model for First Nations youth and his culture.
Brave Rock, who plays ‘Chief’ in the DC Comics superhero hit “Wonder Woman,” is a homegrown Hollywood movie star paving the way for Indigenous actors. He’s also known for his stunt work in “The Revenant” (2015) and the TV series “Hell on Wheels” (2011).
Wherever he travels, Brave Rock stays true to his roots. Now he’s spending a few days with students from the Kainai First Nation where he grew up. On Tuesday, he shared a powerful message with about 250 youth before a special screening of the movie at Galaxy Theatre in Lethbridge.
“Dreams come true. I’m a living example,” he said.
Born on the Blood Reserve, the “kid from Stand Off” knows there are many Indigenous children who may not realize their full potential. It was a struggle for him growing up as well. His aim is to inspire the youth to believe in themselves, and to realize the world is a much bigger place.
Brave Rock has many family members and friends living on the reserve and he’s been closely following issues such as the fentanyl crisis.
“It’s very sad. I hope me being here encourages some of the kids to keep striving for success and to have some hope,” he said.
“I’m so thankful to be able to represent my culture and my people, to come back and bring some of the knowledge and experiences I’ve learned traveling,” he continued. “And for me, traveling around the world has given me a better sense of myself. Saying that, it’s given me a better sense of my people, my culture. I’m very proud.”
From the time he was a baby, Brave Rock was raised by his grandmother, Florence Brave Rock. He grew up in southern Alberta, attending school in Cardston, Fort Macleod and Lethbridge.
But it was while walking down the street one day in Calgary that got him started on his acting path. He had a chance meeting with a producer from the television series “North of 60,” who encouraged then 17-year-old Brave Rock to audition for a play. That was more than two decades ago.
Now he is an accomplished actor, musician and stuntman who’s worked on numerous films and onstage productions. He’s lived in Paris, London, and California. Married to Jolene, the pair have a 15-month-old son.
“I’m so thankful to be able to come back and to represent my people,” he said.
Ramona Big Head, principal at Tatsikiisaapo’p Middle School, has been trying to co-ordinate a visit from her famous nephew for a few years. This time it all fell into place, and the timing couldn’t be more perfect. Brave Rock’s visit was funded through the national First Nation Student Success Program.
“This is so special. For our young people to see, first of all, one of their own from Stand Off... just to see a young man from the Reserve who is so humble who comes basically from the same background as these kids. It just means so much to all of us.”
The Blackfoot language is in peril right now, she explained, with very few people who are still fluent. In the movie, Brave Rock’s first words to Wonder Woman as ‘Chief’ are in Blackfoot. He introduces himself as Napi, a legendary Blackfoot demi-god, known as a trickster with good intentions.
“I always feel the language is gone. There’s going to be a void in this world that will never be filled,” said Big Head. “To see that up there on the big screen for the entire world to hear our language... is huge for us.”
Brave Rock credits “Wonder Woman” director Patty Jenkins for giving him the freedom to incorporate Blackfoot culture into his role. Not only did he speak the language, but Brave Rock was also permitted to choose his wardrobe in keeping with traditional regalia.
For his role, Brave Rock channeled the experiences of First World War hero and writer Mike Mountain Horse, who was also born on the Blood Reserve.
“It’s unprecedented for a Native American to be represented the way I am in DC movies and in Hollywood,” he said. “I’m so thankful to Patty Jenkins for giving me that control. I’m so thankful to share my language with the world.”
“I’m so thankful to share my language with the world.” – Eugene Brave Rock, who has a role in the blockbuster movie “Wonder Woman”