Nathan Chasing Horse Jailed for Life Over Sexual Assault Convictions

When the gavel fell in a Las Vegas courtroom this Monday, it wasn’t just the end of a high-profile trial—it was a moment that rippled through Indigenous communities across North America, including right here in Seattle, WA. Nathan Chasing Horse, the 49-year-old actor best known for his role in *Dances With Wolves*, was sentenced to life in prison for sexually assaulting Indigenous women and girls, with parole eligibility only after 37 years. The case has left many in our city grappling with questions about justice, cultural exploitation, and the safety of vulnerable communities, particularly in urban areas where Indigenous populations are often overlooked.

For Seattleites, this sentencing isn’t just a headline—it’s a stark reminder of the systemic challenges Indigenous women face, even in progressive cities like ours. The Duwamish Tribe, whose ancestral lands include present-day Seattle, has long advocated for the protection of Indigenous women, who experience violence at rates far higher than the national average. The case of Chasing Horse, who exploited his position as a spiritual leader to prey on young women, hits close to home for many in our community, where cultural and spiritual practices are deeply intertwined with identity and healing.

The Trial That Shook Indian Country

Chasing Horse’s conviction in January on 13 charges—including sexual assault, coercion, and child abuse—was the culmination of a yearslong effort to hold him accountable. The trial revealed a pattern of abuse that spanned decades, with victims as young as 14 when the assaults began. Three women testified against him, describing how he manipulated their trust and spirituality for his own gratification. One survivor, Corena Leone-LaCroix, who was 14 at the time of the assaults, told the court, “There is no way to obtain back the youth, the childhood loss, my first time, my first kiss, the graduation I never got to have. The life that little girl could have lived has been taken from me forever.”

Judge Jessica Peterson, who presided over the case, didn’t mince words when delivering the sentence. “You preyed on these women’s trusts and their spirituality, and you manipulated them for your own personal gratification,” she said. The judge’s remarks underscored a painful truth: Chasing Horse’s actions weren’t just criminal—they were a betrayal of the very communities he claimed to serve. His continued denial of the charges, calling the verdict a “miscarriage of justice,” only deepened the trauma for survivors and their families.

For Seattle’s Indigenous community, the case has reignited conversations about the exploitation of spiritual leaders and the need for greater accountability. Organizations like the Seattle Indian Health Board and the Urban Indian Health Institute have long worked to address the gaps in protection for Indigenous women, who are disproportionately affected by violence. The Chasing Horse case serves as a grim example of how predators can exploit cultural and spiritual roles to evade scrutiny—a problem that isn’t confined to reservations but extends to urban centers like Seattle, where Indigenous people often navigate complex identities and systemic barriers.

A Broader Crisis: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

Chasing Horse’s sentencing comes at a time when the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) is gaining long-overdue attention. In Washington state, Indigenous women are murdered at rates more than six times the national average, according to a 2021 report by the Washington State Patrol. Seattle, as a major urban hub, is not immune to this crisis. The city’s Indigenous population, which includes members of the Duwamish, Muckleshoot, Suquamish, and other tribes, has been vocal about the need for better protections and resources.

The Chasing Horse case is a microcosm of a larger issue: the intersection of celebrity, power, and exploitation. Chasing Horse leveraged his minor fame from *Dances With Wolves* to build a reputation as a spiritual leader, which he then used to isolate and abuse young women. His case is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked influence, particularly in communities where trust in leaders is deeply ingrained. For Seattle’s Indigenous community, it’s also a call to action—to strengthen safeguards, support survivors, and ensure that spiritual and cultural practices are not weaponized against the very people they’re meant to heal.

Local advocates, including those at the Chief Seattle Club, a nonprofit serving Seattle’s Indigenous homeless population, have emphasized the need for culturally specific resources. “This case is a reminder that our communities are still healing from generations of trauma,” said one advocate, who asked to remain anonymous. “We need more safe spaces where survivors can come forward without fear of being dismissed or re-traumatized.”

What In other words for Seattle

For Seattle residents, the Chasing Horse case is more than a distant news story—it’s a reflection of the broader struggles facing Indigenous communities in our city. Here’s what it means for us:

• Increased Awareness of MMIW: The case has brought renewed attention to the MMIW crisis, which has often been overlooked in urban areas. Seattle’s Indigenous-led organizations are pushing for more visibility and resources to address the issue.
• Accountability for Spiritual Leaders: The case has sparked conversations about the need for accountability within spiritual and cultural circles. Many in Seattle’s Indigenous community are calling for clearer guidelines and oversight for those in positions of trust.
• Support for Survivors: The trauma described by Chasing Horse’s victims is a stark reminder of the long-term impact of abuse. Local organizations are stepping up efforts to provide counseling, legal support, and safe spaces for survivors.

For those in Seattle who want to get involved, there are several ways to support Indigenous women and survivors:

• Donate to or volunteer with organizations like the Seattle Indian Health Board or the Chief Seattle Club, which provide critical services to Indigenous communities.
• Attend events hosted by the Urban Indian Health Institute, which works to address health disparities and violence against Indigenous women.
• Educate yourself on the MMIW crisis and advocate for policy changes at the local and state levels.

The Local Resource Guide: Who You Need to Know in Seattle

Given my background in covering social justice and Indigenous rights, I know how overwhelming it can be to navigate the aftermath of cases like this. If you or someone you know in Seattle is affected by the issues raised in the Chasing Horse trial, here are the three types of local professionals you should consider connecting with:

Indigenous-Led Legal Advocates

These professionals specialize in representing Indigenous survivors of violence and abuse. When seeking legal support, look for attorneys or advocates who:

• Have experience working with Indigenous communities and understand the cultural nuances of cases involving spiritual leaders.
• Are affiliated with organizations like the Northwest Justice Project or the American Indian Community Center, which offer legal aid to Indigenous clients.
• Can navigate both tribal and state legal systems, as many Indigenous survivors face jurisdictional complexities.

Trauma-Informed Therapists with Indigenous Specialization

Healing from trauma, especially trauma tied to cultural or spiritual betrayal, requires a therapist who understands the unique needs of Indigenous survivors. When searching for a therapist, prioritize those who:

• Have training in trauma-informed care and experience working with Indigenous clients.
• Are affiliated with organizations like the Seattle Indian Health Board, which offers culturally specific mental health services.
• Incorporate traditional healing practices alongside evidence-based therapy, if that’s important to you or your loved one.

Community Organizers and Advocates

If you’re looking to get involved in advocacy or support efforts, connecting with local organizers can be a powerful way to make a difference. Look for professionals who:

• Have a track record of working on Indigenous rights issues, particularly MMIW and gender-based violence.
• Are connected to organizations like the Chief Seattle Club or the Urban Indian Health Institute, which lead community-based initiatives.
• Can provide guidance on how to support survivors, whether through volunteering, fundraising, or policy advocacy.

Seattle has a strong network of Indigenous-led organizations and professionals who are dedicated to addressing the issues highlighted by the Chasing Horse case. Whether you’re seeking support for yourself, a loved one, or want to get involved in advocacy, these resources can help you take the next step.

Ready to locate trusted professionals? Browse our complete directory of top-rated Indigenous rights advocates in the Seattle area today.