March was Women’s History Month, when many commemorate and celebrate women who have played a vital role in history and are often overlooked.
The
Cherokee Nation Film Office celebrated by highlighting Native American women that work in the film and television industries who are paving the way for proper representation of Native Americans. Here's an excerpt of their story about Jennifer Rader, a SCC Tribal Member:
Jennifer Rader is doing just that! Rader has appeared as principal roles in the films “Southland” opposite Bella Thorne, “Sleeping in Plastic” and the horror western “The Pale Door.” In early 2019, she starred in the innovative 360-degree VR action film “All Terrain” presented by Oscar-winning producer Grey Frederickson. Along with acting, Rader has also taken up casting and stunt work. She’s a jack of all trades, as her passion for the industry began when she started dancing at just three years old.
Rader is a Sokaogan Chippewa from Wisconsin and was raised in Oklahoma City. Growing up, she studied every dance technique imaginable, performing all across the nation, and graduated with a degree in modern dance performance from the University of Oklahoma. She went on to perform internationally, dancing on a cruise ship, until she got curious about acting and decided to jump in head first.
The CNFO chatted with Jennifer Rader on how she went from a cruise ship to the big screen and her vision for Indigenous people in the film industry.
