Nathalie Standingcloud

Nathalie Standingcloud, a proud member of the Cherokee, Creek, and Salish tribes, hails from Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Since the age of six, she has been immersed in the world of acting and artistry. Her first acting experience came in 2001 in a film directed by her aunt, Kimberly Guerrero, aptly named “Standingcloud.” In 2005, she made her theatrical debut in “The Trail of Tears” drama at Tahlequah’s amphitheater. Nathalie’s passion for storytelling and her indigenous heritage led her to participate in the 2008 Youth Leadership Institute trip, retracing the Trail of Tears. Today, she continues to thrive as a talented performer, dedicated to sharing indigenous narratives.

Nathalie Standingcloud’s acting journey took a significant leap forward in 2009 when she landed the lead role of the granddaughter in the National Park Service and Cherokee Nation’s collaborative film, “Trail of Tears.” Throughout her high school years, Nathalie consistently took on lead roles in productions such as “Dorothy” in “The Wizard of Oz” and “Rizzo” in “Grease.” Her exceptional talent and dedication were further recognized through her participation in regional and state speech competitions, where she achieved notable success.

Remaining deeply connected to her culture, Nathalie actively engaged with her community through various avenues. She served as a member of the Cherokee Youth Council and contributed her voice to the Cherokee National Choir. In 2011, Nathalie’s outstanding qualities and commitment to her heritage earned her the title of first runner-up for Junior Miss Cherokee.

In 2012, Nathalie embarked on a transformative journey as a participant in the Remember the Removal bike ride. Following in the footsteps of her Cherokee ancestors, who had made a grueling 900-mile trek by foot, Nathalie undertook the challenging expedition on a bicycle. This experience kindled her desire to delve deeper into her Cherokee heritage and sparked a profound connection to her roots. Along the route, she even had the opportunity to visit a house that once belonged to her ancestors.

After graduating high school in 2013, Nathalie pursued her passion for acting by enrolling as an acting major at Oklahoma City University. Her talent shone brightly as she took on the role of “Orangutan” in the captivating play “Water by the Spoonful” at the esteemed Blackbox Theatre.

In 2014, Nathalie’s remarkable achievements and commitment to a balanced life caught the attention of UNITY, an organization dedicated to Native American and Alaskan Native youth’s empowerment. She was honored with the prestigious 25 Under 25 Leadership award, which recognizes individuals who embody UNITY’s core mission and demonstrate excellence in their spiritual, mental, physical, and social well-being. While actively engaging in her artistic endeavors, Nathalie’s exceptional artwork was recognized and published as poster art for the 43rd Annual Symposium on the American Indian, “Children: The Seeds of Change”. Her designs were later featured on shirts and billboards, showcasing her creative prowess to a wider audience.

In 2018, Nathalie accomplished a significant milestone as she completed her apprenticeship and obtained her tattooing license. That same year, she showcased her talents by designing the Cherokee Phoenix homecoming shirt and delivering captivating performances alongside the renowned sketch comedy group, the 1491s. Her talents were also sought after at the Native Storytellers festival held at Yale University, where she enthralled audiences with her compelling performances.

Nathalie’s journey in the theater world took off in 2019, propelling her career to new heights. She mesmerized audiences with her captivating performances in Mary Kathryn Nagle’s “Return to Niobrara” at the Rose Theatre in Omaha and “Crossing Mnisose” at the Armory in Portland. Nathalie’s talent didn’t go unnoticed, as she also took part in Martha Redbones’ “Black Mountain Woman” during the esteemed Colorado New Play festival.

In 2020, Nathalie had the incredible opportunity to share the stage with renowned Native actor Wes Studi in “Reclaiming One Star” during the Colorado New Play Summit, further solidifying her reputation as a skilled performer. Then Native Max Magazine featured her on the cover of their Native Heritage Issue, highlighting her tattoo artistry and acting career. Nathalie’s exceptional abilities were also recognized at the LA Skin Fest, where she received the prestigious Rising Phoenix award for her outstanding lead performance in Jeremy Charles’ short film, “Totsu (Redbird).”

In 2021, Nathalie made her small screen debut as a guest star on the hit series “Reservation Dogs,” first as the “optometry receptionist” then as “Natalie.” Her talent continued to shine as she remained an integral part of the show throughout its three seasons.

Nathalie Standingcloud was featured on season 7 episode 9 of Osiyo, Voices of the Cherokee People in 2022. Described as a unique storyteller, she expresses her artistry through ink as a talented tattoo artist and on-screen as an actress. Alongside her rising star in the acting world, Nathalie also flourishes as a runway model, showcasing designs by indigenous creators like Tonia Weavel and Jessica Harjo (Weomepe Designs).

Nathalie’s journey took a remarkable turn in 2023 when she graced the runway at RISE New York Fashion Week, showcasing a stunning handbag created by Muskogee Creek artist, Lea McCormick (Heruse Tos). Inspired to try new ways to play, Nathalie decided to explore her comedic side and ventured into stand-up, hosting the popular “Aunties Acting Up” comedy show in Tulsa. Her talents didn’t stop there, as she also gained recognition for her tattoo work, earning third place in the floral category at the Homeward Bound tattoo expo. Demonstrating her ability to merge her various skills, Nathalie took on the role of designing the artwork and hosting the Tribal Self Governance conference. However, her artistic versatility truly shone through when she had the incredible privilege of being a principle extra in the highly acclaimed film “Killers of the Flower Moon,” further solidifying her status as a multi-talented artist and actress.

Nathalie Standingcloud’s path has been one of self-discovery, artistic growth, and cultural celebration. With each step she takes, she continues to shine a light on her heritage and inspire others through her remarkable talents.