Thu Sep 19 07:00:59 UTC 2024: ## Reservation Dogs Creator Sterlin Harjo Discusses Impact of Representation and Importance of Funerals
**Sterlin Harjo, the creator of the critically acclaimed Hulu series “Reservation Dogs,” has spoken candidly about the transformative power of seeing oneself represented in mainstream media. The Emmy-nominated show, which tells the story of four Indigenous teenagers navigating life on an Oklahoma reservation, has resonated with viewers and sparked conversations about representation in Hollywood.**
Harjo, who grew up feeling overlooked due to the lack of Indigenous characters in media, said he’s grateful for the show’s impact, stating, “My kids don’t know what it’s like to not see themselves on screen, and no one will ever know what that feels like again because of the show.”
He shared a personal anecdote of watching a film portraying Seminoles as Lakotas, a jarring experience that highlighted the lack of accurate representation. However, he also acknowledged positive examples, like the character played by Will Sampson in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” who subverted the stereotype of the stoic, silent Native.
**Harjo also discussed the importance of funerals in Native culture, revealing that he grew up attending many and sees them as a time for honesty and reconciliation. He believes they offer a unique opportunity for people to reconnect and move forward, a sentiment reflected in the show’s frequent depiction of funerals.**
“Reservation Dogs” has garnered widespread acclaim for its authenticity, humor, and heartfelt portrayal of Indigenous life. The show has not only provided a platform for Indigenous voices but has also inspired a new generation of Native actors, writers, and directors to share their stories. Harjo’s work serves as a testament to the power of representation and the importance of celebrating the full human experience of Indigenous communities.
First Piper 