Sacheen Littlefeather

Maria Louise Cruz, known professionally as Sacheen Littlefeather, was born on November 14, 1946. She emerged as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, not only as an actress but also as a passionate activist for Native American civil rights. Her most notable moment came in 1973 when she represented Marlon Brando at the 45th Academy Awards, where she famously declined the Best Actor award on his behalf. This act was a protest against Hollywood's portrayal of Native Americans and aimed to highlight the ongoing standoff at Wounded Knee.

Following her impactful speech at the Oscars, which elicited mixed reactions from the audience, Littlefeather dedicated herself to hospice care and continued her advocacy for Native American issues, particularly in healthcare and unemployment. She also took on the role of a producer, creating films that focused on Native American narratives. In June 2022, just months before her passing, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences issued a formal apology to her, which was shared during a special event in her honor.

Littlefeather claimed her heritage included Apache and Yaqui ancestry through her father, while her mother was of European descent. However, after her death on October 2, 2022, her family members and journalists raised questions about the authenticity of her Native American heritage. Interviews with her sisters revealed that they did not identify as Native American and suggested that Littlefeather may have fabricated her ancestry, stating that their father was of Spanish-Mexican descent without any tribal affiliations.