Minnie Devereaux

Minnie Devereaux, also known as Minnie Provost, was a prominent Native American silent film actress born in 1869. A proud citizen of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes in Oklahoma, she made significant contributions to early cinema, showcasing her heritage through her work.

Her acting career began in 1913 with the film 'Old Mammy’s Secret Code' and spanned a decade, concluding with the 1923 release of 'The Girl of the Golden West.' Throughout her career, she held at least fourteen roles, captivating audiences with her performances.

There are varying accounts of her lineage; some sources suggest she was the daughter of Chief Plenty Horses, although this has led to confusion with another historical figure of the same name. In a 1917 interview with the Mack Sennett Weekly, Minnie shared that her parents were Cheyenne and had fled from G. A. Custer's Army during the Battle of the Little Bighorn, an event that profoundly impacted her early life.