Renowned Indigenous Actors Wes Studi and Tantoo Cardinal Join You’re No Indian as Executive Producers

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LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 22, 2025--

You’re No Indian, a highly anticipated documentary exposing the devastating human rights crisis of tribal disenrollment, today announced that legendary Indigenous actors Tantoo Cardinal and Wes Studi have joined the project as executive producers. Cardinal also lends her voice as the film’s narrator.

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https://www.yourenoindian.com/

Tribal disenrollment—the controversial practice of removing Indigenous people from tribal roles—has stripped more than 11,000 people of their citizenship, culture, and community. The film investigates how disenrollment, often motivated by political power and financial gain, occurs without legal protection or due process, disproportionately targeting the most vulnerable tribal members.

“The stories in You’re No Indian show that the act of disenrollment is at a point of crisis in the Indian community,” said Studi. “I was shocked by how widespread disenrollment has become. This film should inspire solidarity, outrage, and action.”

Cardinal, known for her acclaimed roles in Killers of the Flower Moon, Dances with Wolves, and Legends of the Fall, has long used her platform to advocate for Indigenous rights and cultural preservation. Studi, an Academy Award winner and star of The Last of the Mohicans, Avatar, and Hostiles, is celebrated for his trailblazing work advancing Native representation in Hollywood.

“This is a powerful and important story that needs to be told,” said Cardinal. “Our people are being erased by systems with no accountability. I was honored to narrate this film, and I’m committed to helping bring awareness to this injustice.”

“I spent seven years making this film to shine a light on this crisis,” said director Ryan Flynn. “Most people have never heard of disenrollment, yet it has erased the identities, rights, and voices of tens of thousands. I’m honored to have Tantoo and Wes join us in amplifying those voices.”

Beyond the 11,000 documented cases, the film also sheds light on countless others who have been quietly excluded or denied tribal membership altogether. Through emotional personal stories and unprecedented access, You’re No Indian reveals the ripple effects disenrollment has on identity, belonging, and cultural survival.

The film is set to premiere in 2025 with the aim of sparking a national conversation and driving collective action to restore the identities and rights of disenrolled Indigenous people. The addition of Cardinal and Studi, two of the most respected voices in Indigenous cinema, marks a major milestone in elevating this urgent and underreported issue.

About You’re No Indian

You’re No Indian  is a powerful documentary exposing the devastating human rights crisis of tribal disenrollment. Directed by Ryan Flynn and executive produced by Tantoo Cardinal and Wes Studi, the film is set to premiere later this year. Produced by Michael Sammaciccia,  You’re No Indian  marks a bold new voice in contemporary Indigenous storytelling. Follow You're No Indian on Instagram, X, and TikTok.

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KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA CALIFORNIA

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SOURCE: You’re No Indian

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PUB: 04/22/2025 09:00 AM/DISC: 04/22/2025 09:02 AM

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