A new AMC mystery series filmed primarily in New Mexico offers an authentic take on the Native American experience, something Hollywood has been slow to embrace.
“Dark Winds” is executive-produced by Robert Redford and George R.R. Martin, according to KOB 4. It is based on a Tony Hillerman novel and features the characters Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee, who are Navajo Nation Police officers. The two lawmen investigate a double murder in the Southwest during the 1970s.
The storyline behind “Dark Winds” was shaped by an almost entirely Native American writing staff. The cast features prominent Native American actors such as Zahn McClarnon, who stars as Lt. Leaphorn; Kiowa Gordon; Jessica Matten; and Deanna Allison. Creator and co-executive producer Graham Roland is a member of Chickasaw Nation, KOB 4 reported.
The show’s creators hope that through “Dark Winds” they can share the rich oral traditions that have been passed down through generations.
“We’ve been telling our stories for thousands of years,” McClarnon said. “I think that the television business is finally seeing that, and realizing that we have our own stories and that they’re rich, deep stories.”
Roland was connected with the proposed series in 2019, before the recent release of Native-inclusive shows such as “Reservation Dogs” and “Rutherford Falls.”
The Native American creative team behind “Dark Winds” makes it a rarity in the world of American TV shows.
“What was unique about it was the opportunity to tell a story in the Native community without a white character bringing you into the community and experiencing it through the white character’s point of view,” Roland said. Instead, the perspective is that of the Native character “who grew up there, lived there, and polices that environment.”
The writers and producers see the series as an opportunity to obliterate stereotypes that are normally attributed to Native American communities in the film and television industry.
The show will “shatter all these expectations and stereotypes that have always been attributed to us,” Gordon said. “We’re trying to portray these people [characters] as nothing that we’ve seen before, so it’s a great opportunity.” He is of Hualapai Native American descent.
“Dark Winds” is shown on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on AMC.