Nathan Chasing Horse, known for his role in ‘Dances With Wolves’, raises an unsettling question: how can someone exploit their status as a spiritual leader to commit heinous acts? The answer is stark and painful. Chasing Horse received a life sentence for sexually assaulting Indigenous women and girls over a span of two decades.
A jury found him guilty on 13 of the 21 charges he faced. The victims included those as young as 14 years old. Chasing Horse exploited his position—both as an actor and a medicine man—to prey on vulnerable individuals.
In early 2023, Las Vegas police arrested him after a monthslong investigation. Authorities discovered memory cards containing videos of the assaults during a raid on his home. The evidence painted a disturbing picture of abuse that spanned multiple states, including Nevada, South Dakota, and Montana.
Chasing Horse has denied the charges, claiming it was a miscarriage of justice. “This is a miscarriage of justice,” he stated during his trial. But the pain felt by the victims’ families tells another story entirely.
One victim’s mother expressed her ongoing struggle: “Even to this day I struggle to regain my faith and spirituality.” Another victim bravely declared, “I am choosing to see this moment as a fresh start. I will rebuild my life, reclaim my voice and continue fighting for the future I deserve.”
Chasing Horse’s case has broader implications as well. Law enforcement agencies across other states and Canada are pursuing additional criminal charges against him. A warrant remains outstanding in Alberta, Canada—indicating that this story may not be over yet.
As communities continue to grapple with the fallout from these revelations, many are left wondering how such exploitation can be prevented in the future. Dr. Crystal Lee noted that “Chasing Horse used his status as an actor and medicine man to prey on victims.” This highlights the urgent need for systemic change to protect vulnerable populations.
The next steps involve assessing further legal actions against him, particularly by British Columbia prosecutors who will evaluate what comes after Chasing Horse’s appeals are exhausted.
