RED NATION CELEBRATION INSTITUTE
Creating systemic change through film television in all media.
RED NATION CELEBRATION INSTITUTE
Creating systemic change through film television in all media.
Los Angeles, CA – Dark Winds returns for its highly anticipated third season this Sunday, March 9, on AMC Network. Recently renewed for a fourth season, it marks a historic milestone as the longest-running Native-led television series in the U.S.
"Redford first attempted to bring Tony Hillerman's Navajo detectives, Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee, to the screen with Skinwalkers in 2002, starring Wes Studi and Adam Beach—but it just didn’t quite land," states Joanelle Romero, founder of the Red Nation Celebration Institute (RNCI). "Dark Winds has finally struck the right chord, delivering authentic Native storytelling with a level of depth and accuracy that was missing before."
Romero’s connection to Redford goes back decades. The George Harrison-produced feature Powwow Highway—in which she starred as Bonnie Redbow—won the Sundance Filmmakers Trophy and was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize in 1989. In 2024, the groundbreaking film celebrated its 35th anniversary.
In the ’90s, as Redford was launching his Native Program for Sundance, he invited Romero to meet with his executive director, suggesting she lead the initiative. However, having just given birth and in the midst of launching RNCI, she declined but recommended Phil Lucas and Heather Rae—and the rest is history!
Zahn McClarnon is set to make his directorial debut in Dark Winds Season 4. A longtime supporter of Native storytelling, Zahn has been a Red Nation International Film Festival (RNIFF) nominee and winner since 2008.
"I’ve known Zahn for over 35 years and have witnessed his incredible growth—not just as an actor, but now stepping into the director’s chair. I couldn't be more excited for him,"
The Red Nation Celebration Institute (RNCI) proudly announces Dark Winds as the Winner of Best Television Seriesat the prestigious RNCI Red Nation Awards. The series, lauded for its compelling storytelling and authentic Native representation, also secured top acting honors:
🏆 Winner – Best Television Series – Dark Winds
🏆 Winner – Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama, Comedy, or Limited Series – Kiowa Gordon
🎭 Nominee – Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama, Comedy, or Limited Series – Zahn McClarnon
🎭 Nominee – Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama, Comedy, or Limited Series – Jessica Matten
Zahn McClarnon, a steadfast advocate for Native representation, continues to be recognized for his exceptional performances:
🎭 2022 Nominee – Outstanding Supporting Actor (Reservation Dogs)
🏆 2018 Winner – Outstanding Supporting Actor (Westworld)
🎭 2018 Nominee – Outstanding Supporting Actor (The Son)
🎭 2016 Nominee – Best Supporting Actor in TV Series/Miniseries (Fargo)
🏆 2014 Winner – Outstanding Actor in a Supporting Role (Strike One)
🏆 2012 Winner – Outstanding Supporting Actor in Television Mini-Series/MOW/Television Show (Longmire)
🏆 2011 Winner – Outstanding Supporting Actor in Television Mini-Series/MOW/Television Show (The Ringer)
🎭 2010 & 2008 Nominee – Outstanding Supporting Actor in TV Series/Mini-Series (Fargo, Season 2, FX)
As the premier awards show honoring Native and Indigenous excellence in film and television, the RNCI Red Nation Awards continues to be the leading platform for elevating Indigenous storytelling.
Learn More, visit Red Nation Celebration Institute.
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RNCI Red Nation Awards, Founded by Joanelle Romero, the RNCI Red Nation Awards is the longest-standing Native and Indigenous awards show in the entertainment industry. Dedicated to amplifying authentic Indigenous storytelling, RNCI continues to recognize outstanding contributions to film, television, and media.
ABOUT
Red Nation Celebration Institute® (RNCI) the longest-standing Native women-led Indigenous media, arts, and cultural nonprofit enterprise in the history of the entertainment industry. It is the first Indigenous nonprofit to receive funding from the City of Los Angeles, serving over 575 Native Nations in the U.S. and a total of 1,200 globally. Headquartered in Los Angeles, with an additional office in Santa Fe, New Mexico, RNCI continues to drive meaningful representation and visibility for Native and Indigenous voices in media and the arts.
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LA’s Premier Native & Indigenous Film Festival
The Red Nation International Film Festival (RNIFF) is the U.S. and world’s largest Native Indigenous film and media arts festival and the first of its kind in Los Angeles. Presented by RNCI annually in November. RNIFF has been empowering Native Indigenous storytellers since 1995.
Amplifying more than 5000+ Native and Indigenous content creators through its streaming company Red Nation Television Network, supporting 2855+ Native Indigenous filmmakers through its Red Nation International Film Festival, including films directed by women through its Native Women in Film & Television in All Media. In the past eight years RNIFF has screened 215 films directed by women.