Nathan Chasing Horse, known for his role in “Dances With Wolves,” has been sentenced to life imprisonment by a judge for sexually assaulting Indigenous women and girls. Following a Nevada jury’s guilty verdict on 13 charges, primarily related to the sexual assault of three women, Chasing Horse faced his sentencing.

During the court proceedings, victims and their families spoke out about the enduring trauma inflicted by Chasing Horse, who exploited his role as a spiritual leader. One victim, Corena Leone-LaCroix, recounted the loss of her youth and innocence, expressing how her life was forever changed by the assault she endured at the age of 14.

Chasing Horse, donning his Clark County Detention Center attire, maintained his innocence as victims shared their statements in court. Judge Jessica Peterson, noting his persistent denial despite overwhelming evidence, denounced his actions of preying on trust and spirituality for personal gain.

The sentencing marked the culmination of a lengthy legal battle that began with Chasing Horse’s arrest and indictment in 2023. The impact of his arrest reverberated across Indian Country, leading to additional charges in other US states and Canada.

Chasing Horse, originally from the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, rose to fame with his role in “Dances With Wolves.” Prosecutors in Nevada alleged that he abused his position as a Lakota medicine man to target Indigenous women and girls over nearly two decades.

While some charges resulted in guilty verdicts, Chasing Horse was acquitted on others during the trial. Testimonies from victims revealed how they had sought his spiritual guidance, only to be subjected to abuse and manipulation.

Despite ongoing legal proceedings in British Columbia and Alberta, Chasing Horse faces the consequences of his actions as victims and their families strive to heal from the betrayal of trust and exploitation of sacred traditions. Through their resilience, they seek to reclaim their voices and rebuild their lives.