Tatanka Means
Award-Winning Actor, Comedian & Native American Storyteller
Tatanka Means
Award-Winning Actor, Comedian & Native American Storyteller
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Biography
Tatanka Means is an award-winning actor, stand-up comedian, and one of the most compelling Native American voices working across entertainment, comedy, and cultural advocacy today. Representing the Navajo, Oglala Lakota, Yankton Dakota, and Omaha Nations, Tatanka has built a career that blends powerful storytelling with humor, authenticity, and a deep commitment to celebrating Indigenous culture. Whether on screen or on stage, he uses his platform to entertain, educate, and inspire audiences of all backgrounds.
Tatanka's recent work includes Martin Scorsese's Academy Award-nominated Killers of the Flower Moon, where he portrayed John Wren, one of the first Native American undercover FBI agents. His growing list of film and television credits also includes Kevin Costner's Horizon, Wind River: Rising, Opus on HBO, Netflix's Ransom Canyon, Marvel's Echo, FX's critically acclaimed Reservation Dogs, and the new Yellowstone spinoff Marshals on CBS and Paramount+.
Away from the camera, Tatanka has become one of the most sought-after touring Native comedians performing today. He travels throughout the United States and Canada, sharing what he calls the "good medicine" of laughter while encouraging audiences to embrace resilience, cultural pride, and healthy living. His unique ability to combine comedy with meaningful conversations has made him a favorite at colleges and universities, tribal communities, conferences, and corporate events. He was also featured on the PBS special Roots of Comedy, celebrating Indigenous comedy and storytelling.
Tatanka's work extends well beyond entertainment. As the son of the late Russell Means, one of the most influential leaders of the American Indian Movement, he proudly carries forward a legacy of advocacy, cultural preservation, and service while forging his own path as an artist and speaker. Through personal stories, humor, and lived experience, he encourages audiences to better understand Native cultures, appreciate Indigenous perspectives, and recognize the importance of representation, identity, and community.
On stage, Tatanka delivers an engaging and unforgettable experience that blends comedy, storytelling, and inspiration. His presentations resonate with colleges and universities, tribal organizations, corporations, associations, and community groups seeking authentic conversations about Indigenous culture, leadership, resilience, and overcoming adversity. Proudly alcohol- and drug-free, Tatanka also shares his personal commitment to living a sober lifestyle, encouraging audiences to make healthy choices while discovering purpose, connection, and hope through the power of laughter.
Tatanka was named Entertainer of the Year by the National Indian Gaming Association in recognition of his contributions to Native entertainment and culture. Whether performing stand-up, appearing on screen, or speaking with audiences across North America, he continues to use his voice to build understanding, celebrate Native identity, and remind people that laughter remains one of life's most powerful forms of healing.
Speaker Videos
Comedian Tatanka Means | Roots of Comedy with Jesus Trejo | Full Episode | PBS
Tatanka Means at Salt Lake City Community College
Speech Topics
American Indians: Past, Present & Future
Native history is not confined to the past—it is a living story that continues to shape the present and future. Tatanka Means draws on his own life and heritage as a member of the Navajo, Oglala Lakota, Yankton Dakota, and Omaha Nations to explore what it means to preserve culture while navigating modern America. Through powerful storytelling, humor, and personal reflection, he examines Indigenous identity, resilience, and the responsibility of carrying traditions forward while creating new opportunities for future generations. Along the way, Tatanka challenges common misconceptions about Native peoples and celebrates the richness, diversity, and continued contributions of Indigenous communities. With warmth, honesty, and wit, he invites audiences to see Native history not as something finished, but as an essential and evolving part of the American story. This engaging keynote offers a deeper understanding of Indigenous cultures while inspiring greater respect, connection, and appreciation across communities.
Audiences will learn:
How Indigenous history, culture, and traditions continue to shape America today
The importance of preserving cultural identity while embracing change and opportunity
New perspectives that challenge stereotypes and deepen understanding of Native communities
American Indians & Hollywood in the 21st Century
The stories we tell on screen shape how we understand the people and cultures around us. Tatanka Means draws on his experiences in acclaimed productions including Killers of the Flower Moon, Horizon, Ransom Canyon, and The Marshals to explore how Native representation in film and television has evolved over the past two decades. Through behind-the-scenes stories, humor, and personal insight, he examines the progress Hollywood has made toward authentic representation, the stereotypes that still persist, and why it matters who gets to tell Indigenous stories. Tatanka reflects on the growing visibility of Native actors, writers, and filmmakers while highlighting the importance of authenticity, cultural respect, and lived experience in storytelling. This engaging conversation offers audiences a deeper appreciation for the role entertainment plays in shaping public understanding and why Indigenous voices are transforming the future of film and television.
Audiences will learn:
How Native representation in film and television has evolved in the 21st century
Why authentic storytelling and Indigenous perspectives matter both on and off the screen
Behind-the-scenes insights into the opportunities and challenges shaping Native voices in Hollywood
Native Comedy: Humor, Healing & Resilience
Laughter has long been one of the most powerful forms of resilience. Tatanka Means explores the rich tradition of Native humor and the important role it has played in helping Indigenous communities navigate hardship, preserve culture, and strengthen human connection. Drawing on his experiences as an award-winning actor and stand-up comedian, Tatanka shares how comedy has evolved from community storytelling to stages, television, and film, creating new opportunities for Native voices while challenging stereotypes with authenticity and wit. Through personal stories, cultural insight, and plenty of laughter, he demonstrates how humor can build bridges, foster understanding, and remind us of our shared humanity. This uplifting keynote celebrates comedy not only as entertainment, but as a source of healing, resilience, and hope.
Audiences will learn:
How humor has served as a source of resilience and healing throughout Indigenous history
The role comedy plays in challenging stereotypes and creating cultural understanding
Why laughter remains one of the most powerful ways to build connection across communities
Finding Your Voice
Your story becomes most powerful the moment you stop trying to tell someone else's. Tatanka Means shares the lessons he has learned growing up between cultures, pursuing an unconventional career, and building success on his own terms. Through honest stories of resilience, identity, setbacks, and perseverance, he reflects on the courage it takes to trust yourself when the path ahead is uncertain and expectations come from every direction. With warmth, humor, and authenticity, Tatanka encourages audiences to embrace the experiences that make them unique rather than viewing them as obstacles to overcome. He reminds us that confidence is built by living authentically, staying true to our values, and finding the courage to share our own story. This inspiring keynote empowers audiences to lead with purpose, resilience, and pride in who they are.
Audiences will learn:
How embracing your unique experiences can become a source of confidence and strength
Practical lessons for building resilience through setbacks and uncertainty
Why authenticity and self-belief are the foundation of lasting success
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