Chasing Horse conviction ‘significant’ step towards justice: Tsuut’ina Nation police

Tsuut’ina Nation police are calling Nathan Chasing Horse’s conviction on sexual assault charges in the U.S. on Friday a “significant step toward justice.”

A Nevada jury on Friday convicted the “Dances With Wolves” actor of sexually assaulting Indigenous women and girls.

The jurors in Las Vegas found him guilty of 13 of the 21 charges he faced. The 49-year-old faces a minimum of 25 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for March 11.

Most of the guilty verdicts focused on Chasing Horse’s conduct with a 14-year-old victim at the time when he began assaulting her. He was acquitted of some sexual assault charges when the main victim was older and lived with him and his other companions.

The Tsuut’ina Nation Police Service said Monday it acknowledges the 13 convictions Chasing Horse faced.

“This verdict is a significant step toward justice for the survivors and a testament to their courage,” a statement reads.

“We wish to recognize and commend all of the survivors who have come forward, as well as those who continue to do so.”

It also adds that a warrant for Nathan Chasing Horse remains outstanding “in connection to our jurisdiction.”

“We are monitoring the unfolding events in the U.S. and are in contact with the Alberta Crown Prosecutors Office regarding the warrant,” it said.

Police and prosecutors in the U.S. have said that in the decades since appearing in the Oscar-winning movie, Chasing Horse had marketed himself to tribes nationwide as a medicine man with healing powers who could communicate with higher beings. He was accused of using his position to lead a cult known as The Circle, gain access to vulnerable girls and women, and take underage wives starting in the early 2000s.

Chasing Horse was born on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, home to the Sicangu Sioux, one of the seven tribes of the Lakota nation. He is widely known for his portrayal of Smiles a Lot in Kevin Costner’s Oscar-winning film.

Back in 2023, after Chasing Horse faced charges in the U.S., Sgt. Nancy Farmer of the Tsuut’ina Nation Police Service acknowledged that the Alberta case is largely symbolic, but important to acknowledge the victims of the Nation.

“At the end of the day,” Farmer said at the time, “it is important for us to have these warrants in the system so our victims know they’ve been heard. It’s extremely important that we continue to support them that way.”

Farmer said the 47-year-old faces nine charges in Alberta, including three counts of sexual exploitation and four counts of sexual assault. The crimes in their jurisdiction date back to 2005, she said.

Police say anyone suffering from trauma related to sexual assault can get anonymous help by contacting the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services at 1-866-403-8000 or by visiting its website.

Tsuut’ina Nation Police Service also says anyone who may be a victim of a crime can report it at 403-271-3777.

With files from The Associated Press