Former “Dances with Wolves” actor Nathan Chasing Horse is set to stand trial in Las Vegas starting Tuesday on charges of sexually abusing Indigenous women and girls. Prosecutors claim he exploited his status as a spiritual leader and healer to prey on victims for over two decades, facing 21 charges including sexual assault, kidnapping, and producing pornography. Chasing Horse, known for his role as Smiles A Lot in the 1990 film, hails from the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota and later declared himself a Lakota medicine man, leading a group called The Circle.
Allegations surfaced in early 2023, shocking Indian Country, and after delays, the trial proceeds with added accusations of filming sexual encounters with minors. One victim, a 14-year-old seeking healing for her sick mother, was coerced into sexual acts under the guise of spiritual guidance, as revealed in court testimonies. Despite an initial indictment dismissal in 2024 due to legal issues, new charges were filed, including the discovery of video evidence on Chasing Horse’s property.
With jury selection underway, the trial is expected to span four weeks with 18 witnesses called by prosecutors. Amidst the legal proceedings, Chasing Horse’s attempt to change his defense attorney was denied by Judge Jessica Peterson. Crystal Lee, CEO of United Natives, highlights the importance of addressing internal violence within Native communities, emphasizing the need for accountability and difficult conversations surrounding Native perpetrators like Chasing Horse.