'Dances With Wolves' Star Nathan Chasing Horse Sentenced to Life in Prison for Sexual Assault

Key Points:

• Nathan Chasing Horse, known for his role in "Dances With Wolves," was sentenced to life in prison by a Nebraska judge for sexually assaulting Indigenous women and girls, following a jury conviction on 13 charges mostly related to sexual assault.
• Victims and their families testified about ongoing trauma and exploitation of Chasing Horse's position as a spiritual leader, with allegations that he led a cult called The Circle and manipulated victims under the guise of spiritual ceremonies.
• One victim, Corena Leone-LaCroix, who publicly shared her experience, described how Chasing Horse assaulted her at age 14, falsely claiming spirits demanded she give up her virginity to save her sick mother, with assaults continuing for years.
• Chasing Horse, who denies the charges, was quiet during sentencing and will be eligible for parole after 37 years; he faces additional pending charges in other jurisdictions including an outstanding warrant in Alberta.
• Victims like Siera Begaye highlighted long-term physical and emotional harm from the assaults, expressing hope to rebuild their lives and reclaim their voices despite the trauma inflicted by Chasing Horse.