Sacheen Littlefeather, an Apache and Yaqui activist and actress, became a trailblazing figure in both Native American activism and the entertainment industry. Born Marie Louise Cruz on November 14, 1946, in Salinas, California, she was raised with strong connections to her Apache and Yaqui heritage. Littlefeather gained national attention in 1973 when she represented actor Marlon Brando at the Academy Awards. When Brando won the Oscar for The Godfather, Littlefeather took the stage to decline the award on his behalf, citing the ongoing mistreatment of Native Americans in Hollywood and in American society. Her powerful protest was met with a mix of applause and boos, but it marked a significant moment in Native American advocacy in mainstream media, calling attention to the underrepresentation and negative stereotypes of Indigenous peoples in film.
In addition to her activism, Littlefeather was also an actress and model who worked to elevate Native American voices in Hollywood, a predominantly white industry. She used her platform to advocate for Native American cultural preservation and self-determination. Though her moment at the Oscars was both controversial and impactful, it was part of a larger body of work in which Littlefeather fought for greater visibility and respect for Indigenous communities. Over the years, she continued her activism through various organizations, focusing on health, education, and the preservation of Native American traditions. Sacheen Littlefeather’s courage at the Academy Awards and her lifelong commitment to fighting for Native American rights remain a lasting legacy of resistance and representation in the public eye.
