Contrary to misinformation which has been published on the internet, Sacheen Littlefeather is indeed of true Native American Indian descent. Sacheen was born Marie Cruz in Salinas, California. Her mother is French-German-Dutch, and her father was from the White Mountain Apache and Yaqui tribes from Arizona. "Cruz" is her father's recognized tribe name. Sacheen took the name "Sacheen Littlefeather" after high school to reflect her natural heritage. She is not a "Mexican actress" as Roger Ebert incorrectly reported. Sacheen began her acting career at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, California in the early 1970's. In 1973, Sacheen was chosen by Marlon Brando to accept his Oscar for his the portrayal of Don Corleone in "The Godfather." Mr. Brando wanted to bring national attention to the treatment of American Indians and the siege at Wounded Knee, South Dakota. Ms. Sacheen Cruz Littlefeather has been very active in the Native American Bay Area community. She was one of the orignal occupiers on Alcatraz Island to protest civil rights violations against the Indian people. She has also been active in numerous cultural events and pow wows. Currently, Sacheen is the co-ordinator of the Kateri Prayer Circle in San Francisco. Sacheen has also appeared in such movies as: "The Trial of Billy Jack," "The Gang that Couldn't Shoot Straight," and "Winter Hawk," and in various television roles. |
