J.P. Antonacci
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Hamilton Spectator
Tributes for beloved Oneida actor Graham Greene — who died Sept. 1 after a lengthy illness — are pouring in from across the entertainment world and from his home community of Six Nations of the Grand River.
“Greene was a trailblazer for First Nations representation in film and television, opening doors for generations to come,” the Six Nations elected council said in a statement remembering the 73-year-old actor, who broke onto the Hollywood scene with an Oscar-nominated performance as Kicking Bird in the 1990 film “Dances with Wolves.”
Greene carved out a prolific career in theatre, television and movies, taking to the silver screen in such films as “The Green Mile” and “Die Hard With a Vengeance,” as well as the “Twilight” series.
He attracted attention as Pierre St. Pierre in the Tomson Highway play “Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing,” a role that earned Greene a Dora Award for best leading actor in 1989.
Many standout performances followed, from police officer Walter Crow Horse opposite Val Kilmer in the 1992 film “Thunderheart” to a three-episode arc in “Reservation Dogs.”
Greene showed off his range with guest spots in television dramas such as “The Last of Us” and “Northern Exposure” and recurring roles in sketch comedy programs “The Red Green Show” and “Royal Canadian Air Farce.”
Gamers would know Greene’s voice as Indigenous elder Rains Fall from the popular 2018 Old West action-adventure game “Red Dead Redemption II.”
“Graham Greene shared the stories and resilience of our people in every role he played,” said elected Six Nations Chief Sherri-Lyn Hill.
“Graham brought pride to our community and his legacy will continue to be honoured and inspire future generations. I send my condolences to his family and friends, and all who were impacted by his life and work.”
The Woodland Cultural Centre in Brantford joined elected council in mourning “a talented actor and dedicated advocate for Indigenous arts and culture.”
“His legacy as a proud Oneida artist and storyteller will continue to inspire generations,” the centre said in a press release.
Greene was named to the Order of Canada in 2016 and Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2021. In June he received the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement, the same month he won a Canadian Screen Award for best supporting actor in the comedy “Seeds.”
Gov. Gen. Mary Simon expressed her “profound sadness” at Greene’s death.
“Mr. Greene broke barriers for Indigenous actors, challenging stereotypes and opening doors for future generations,” Simon wrote on Facebook.
“We honour his extraordinary contributions to Canadian culture and celebrate a legacy that will resonate across Canada and beyond.”
The Toronto-based imagineNATIVE Film and Media Arts Festival, which chose Greene for its 2025 August Schellenberg Award of Excellence, said the actor brought “humour and depth” to each of his roles.
“He held his own against the big Hollywood names in lead roles, with a presence that dominated every scene he was in,” the festival said in a statement.
“He became the beacon for every Indigenous actor and industry creative that has come after him. He continued to work until the end, supporting the work of a new generation of Indigenous talent.”
Greene, who lived in Stratford, was no stranger to his home community, co-hosting the 2016 Six Nations All Star Talent Showcase in Niagara Falls and dropping by Jukasa Studios in Ohsweken during a visit to the reserve in 2022.
