An influential actor and activist, he gained prominence as a leader of the American Indian Movement in the 1970s, advocating for the rights of Indigenous peoples. Transitioning to film, he made his acting debut in "The Last of the Mohicans" (1992), earning acclaim for his role as Chingachgook. His filmography includes notable performances in "Natural Born Killers" and "Pocahontas," where he voiced Chief Powhatan. Beyond acting, he authored books and continued activism until his passing in 2012.