Saginaw Grant plans Eagle Lake

Film brings Native philosophy to mainstream

By Christina RoseActor Saginaw Grant, Meskwaki, is in the rare position of sharing the limelight with Johnny Depp in The Lone Ranger and beginning work on another Hollywood film, “Eagle Lake,” which will explore the wisdom of a respected Native elder.

Making films has given Grant an outlet to share the wisdom he received from his own grandparents and his personal experiences. “When I was growing up, I never imagined myself to be doing what I am doing now, but it happened in a way that gives me a way to talk to people. And some people listen to you, and some retain what is said.”

“Eagle Lake” is now in the earliest stages of pre-production after eight years of planning.

“The new film project has universal themes; its basis is bringing people, both children and adults, back to the basics of listening to our elders and remembering traditions,” casting director Lani Melisa said. “When they asked me to be the casting director, the script brought my attention to the story, that family it is so important. It’s about trying to bring people together and coming from Native philosophy of an elder.”Comment:  For more on Saginaw Grant, see Hollywood Indians in Idle No More PSA and Blogger Attacked for Criticizing Depp.