Summary (tl;dr)

Nathan Chasing Horse, an actor known for his role in "Dances with Wolves," has been sentenced to life in prison in Nevada for sexually assaulting Indigenous women and girls.

Essential Background

Nathan Chasing Horse gained prominence for his portrayal of Smiles a Lot in the 1990 Oscar-winning film "Dances with Wolves." Following his acting career, he reportedly began promoting himself as a Lakota medicine man, traveling across North America to perform healing ceremonies. Authorities allege that he used this position and reputation to exploit and sexually abuse Indigenous women and girls for decades. A years-long effort to prosecute Chasing Horse began with his arrest and indictment in 2023. In January 2026, a Nevada jury convicted him of 13 out of 21 charges, primarily related to the sexual assault of a victim who was 14 years old when the abuse began.

The Full Story

On Monday, April 27, 2026, a Nevada judge sentenced Nathan Chasing Horse to life in prison with the possibility of parole after serving 37 years, following his conviction for sexually assaulting Indigenous women and girls. Chasing Horse, 49, continued to deny the charges during his sentencing, calling the decision a "miscarriage of justice." The judge, Jessica Peterson, noted that Chasing Horse "preyed on these women's trusts and their spirituality, and you manipulated them for your own personal gratification."

The sentencing concludes a significant legal process in the United States, but Chasing Horse still faces pending criminal charges in Canada. British Columbia prosecutors have indicated they will assess next steps in their prosecution once U.S. appeals are exhausted, stemming from a sexual assault charge in February 2023 related to an alleged offense in September 2018 near Keremeos. Additionally, an outstanding warrant remains against him in Alberta.

Why It Matters

This case is significant due to the abuse of a position of spiritual leadership within Indigenous communities and highlights the long-standing trauma experienced by the victims. The convictions and sentencing are a culmination of years of advocacy and legal proceedings, providing a measure of justice for the survivors who bravely came forward. The case has resonated deeply across Indian Country, drawing attention to issues of exploitation and accountability within and beyond Indigenous communities.

Geographic Location

• Regional Justice Center, Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada, United States (trial, conviction, and sentencing)
• North Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada, United States (arrest location in 2023)
• Keremeos, British Columbia, Canada (location of alleged sexual assault in 2018)
• Alberta, Canada (location of outstanding warrant)