It will be another five months before the third season of the hit television series Reservation Dogs, which is filmed in Oklahoma, will air.
But the theme of bringing together classic Native American actors and young talent to portray Native Americans in teen comedy and drama is set.
Oklahoman Lane Factor plays “Cheese” and takes part in a quest to California after the death of the fifth member of his teenage friends group. Filled with both criminal and comic adventures, the series follows each member of the “Rez Dogs” on their own journey of grief and growth.
Factor, who grew up in Midwest City, is a citizen of the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma and also Creek and Seminole.
“Since the release of seasons one and two, Aboriginal representation in the media has increased and I couldn’t be happier,” Factor said during a phone interview.
“People from Oklahoma have had a lot of positive comments about being filmed here, and they can relate to the characters’ adventures and the environment. It hits me to know that the show is filmed here because a lot of people see actors on the show that they know personally.”
After the show launched, Factor and his co-stars won the 2022 Independent Spirit Award for Best Ensemble Cast in a New Screenplay Series. He has been a guest speaker at community events, youth conferences and schools across the state. He is an advocate for all tribes and is expanding his platform from Caddo Nation to help other communities to embrace themselves.
“It feels very special to be a Seminole and portray a Seminole teenager,” said Factor. “I want others from different communities and races to be proud of who they are. Embrace who you are and be proud of it.”
Lane Factor’s mother, Kelly Factor, is Vice President of Caddo Nation. As an officer elected by the tribe, she has paved the way for new opportunities and resources in the Caddo Nation and beyond. After the loss of cultural programs, the tribal complex being understaffed, and a lack of economic development with many tribal members unemployed, Kelly Factor said she stepped up to make a difference.
“Our nation is making a big shift and addressing these issues to improve all round, with funding going down and programs being restored. language preservation; an economic development committee; expansion of land base; increasing tribal personnel and cultural activities to name a few,” said Kelly Factor. “Our nation is a reflection of our families, our children and future generations. It is therefore imperative to change something now.”
Consisting only of Native American writers, directors, and series regulars, Reservation Dogs marks a watershed moment for Native Americans in the media.
With a clear lack of Indigenous representation in everyday television and feature films, Lane Factor’s role represents more than just a character on screen.
“The majority of indigenous people in our communities feel underrepresented, and so should we,” said Kelly Factor.
“We don’t see indigenous people in indigenous roles – these have notoriously been portrayed by non-indigenous actors. Our communities are proud to see real aboriginal people in these roles and that it is possible to make it as an aboriginal actor if they want to.”
Gaylord News is a reporting project of the University of Oklahoma’s Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication. For more stories from Gaylord News, visit GaylordNews.net.
