2024 will definitely go down in history as the year Native stories were embraced worldwide. From Oscar nominated movies, award-winning television shows, and breakout musicians, this past year put Native voices on the map.
We've compiled a list of our favorite entertainment and news stories, as well as noteworthy items we're looking forward to in the new year.
Television:
*Although "Reservation Dogs" came to an end, we still have some stellar shows in the current TV schedule. "Dark Winds" follows Navajo Tribal Officers (Zahn McClarnon and Kiowa Gordon) during the 1970's in the Four Corners area of the southwest. Dark Winds has been renewed for a season 3.
*Kali Reis was catapulted into instant stardom during "True Detective" season 4. The boxer and actress stars alongside Jodie Foster in this anthology crime drama series. Lily Gladstone won praise for her performance as a police officer in the series "Under the Bridge". Both actresses made history as the first Indigenous women to be nominated for Emmys.
*Marvel’s “Echo” is the first superhero series centered on a deaf and Native American character, Maya Lopez. Five months after the events of Hawkeye (2021), Maya Lopez is being pursued by Wilson Fisk's organization, leading her to return to her hometown in Oklahoma, where she must come to terms with her past, reconnect with her Native American roots, and embrace her family and community.
*"Resident Alien" has been flying under the radar since its premiere in 2021. Starring several recognizable faces from "Reservation Dogs" including Gary Farmer and the Podemski sisters, it's also written and produced by some of the same team as well. It was just renewed for a 4th season.
Movies:
*The biggest Native movie news of 2024 was "Killers of the Flower Moon"'s 10 Oscar nominations, including a live performance of "Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)" during the Oscars broadcast. The late Robbie Robertson composed the soundtrack for the film. Although KOTFM was shut out at the Oscars, Lily Gladstone stacked up awards from almost every other awards ceremony last year.
*"Fancy Dance" was quite possibly the best movie of 2024 and almost no one got to see it. After wowing critics on the Independent Film circuit, and winning multiple awards, this gem (filmed entirely in Oklahoma) was still in limited release until Apple Tv+ picked it up and gave it global streaming distribution and a theatrical rerelease.
*"Frybread Face and Me", written and directed by Billy Luther, the film reflects his own experiences as he was coming of age. Rich in subtle moments, the drama explores familial dynamics, gender norms, and tribal traditions while highlighting the power that comes from affirming the beauty ingrained within those who cannot always see it for themselves.
Music:
*Oklahoma singer and guitarist AJ Harvey competed on The Voice season 25 and it's only been up from there. He played his first stadium show, performing during half-time at the OKC Thunder's Native American Heritage Night game. Now based in Wichita, you can find him performing here, there, and everywhere in between.
*Samantha Crain is another Oklahoma crooner making a name for herself. Lending tunes to "Reservation Dogs", curating the "Fancy Dance" soundtrack, and releasing some phenomenal cover songs (I highly recommend giving "Time After Time" a listen), Samantha is on her way to becoming a household name.
*Cherokee folk singer Ken Pomeroy is a favorite of Sterlin Harjo. Her songs have been featured on "Reservation Dogs" and not only was she included on the "Twisters" soundtrack, she was also in a scene!
Things we're looking forward to in 2025:
*Not only does Sterlin Harjo have a new series debuting starring Ethan Hawke, he will also be a visiting artist and professor at The University of Tulsa through 2026.
*The highly anticipated opening of Chickasaw resort OKANA will be happening in the Spring of 2025. OKC residents and visitors have been watching the progress next to First Americans Museum for the past 2 years.
*Stillwater is finally getting an entertainment venue with the opening of Tonkawa tribe's The Hub. It will feature an arcade, movie theaters, bowling, and food.
-Jennifer Jalbert
