Untangling Reservation Dogs' Characters: Decoding Their Indigenous Roots

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Reservation Dogs Doesn't Identify The Characters' Specific Native American Tribe

Reservation Dogs Is Filmed In The Muscogee Nation In Oklahoma

Expanding Indigenous Representation through Reservation Dogs' Unspecified Tribal Identity

With its sincere and authentic depiction of Indigenous American life, Reservation Dogs prompts the question of which specific tribe the main characters belong to. Set within a reservation, the show follows Elora Danan Postoak, Bear Smallhill, Chester "Cheese" Williams, and Wilhelmina "Willie Jack" Sampson, a group of teenagers who engage in minor criminal activities to earn money and escape their rural home for California, all in pursuit of fulfilling their late friend Daniel's dream. Co-created by Sterlin Harjo, an Indigenous filmmaker, Reservation Dogs offers a rejuvenating portrayal of Indigenous Americans that is rarely showcased on television.

Reservation Dogs has garnered acclaim for its authentic portrayal of reservation life in America. With an Indigenous co-creator and an entirely Indigenous writing staff, the show captures the true essence of the Reservation Dogs characters. This series stands as a crucial form of Indigenous representation, countering the long-standing trend of stereotypical depictions of Native Americans in the media. While the show hints at the real-life tribe that serves as the foundation for its story through its setting, the complete answer remains intentionally ambiguous.

Reservation Dogs Doesn't Identify The Characters' Specific Native American Tribe

Remarkably, in the show Reservation Dogs, the issue of the characters' tribe is never explicitly addressed, despite the likelihood of such a topic arising during their interactions with various individuals. Although the main characters encounter numerous non-Indigenous people, they refrain from disclosing their tribal affiliation. Nevertheless, the series' location aids in narrowing down the potential possibilities to a certain extent. Reservation Dogs unfolds within the bounds of Okern, a fictitious reservation town nestled within rural Oklahoma.

Reservation Dogs Is Filmed In The Muscogee Nation In Oklahoma

Unless their tribe is fictional as well, it must be one known for residing in or near the Oklahoma vicinity. The show does not mention any of them relocating from another state or country to Oklahoma, thus it is reasonable to assume that the main characters of the show were born and raised in Oklahoma and are part of an unspecified tribe in that area. Numerous actual tribes have ties to that region, such as the Cherokee Nation, the Comanche Nation, the Shawnee Nation, and many others. To put it simply, it is possible for the characters to have ancestral connections to any of these tribes.

One tribe that does have a confirmed connection to Reservation Dogs is the Muscogee Nation, although not in-universe. This show is both set and filmed in Oklahoma, specifically within the Muscogee Nation. The Los Angeles Times reported that the entire series is shot on the reservation. However, despite utilizing Muscogee Nation land and buildings to convey its narrative, the connection doesn't extend beyond that. Naturally, this raises the question of why Reservation Dogs wouldn't incorporate characters from the Muscogee Nation, especially considering that filming there would enhance its overall sense of authenticity even more.

Reservation Dogs' Unspecified Tribe Allows For Broader Indigenous Representation

Avoiding the question of tribe identity is a deliberate choice in Reservation Dogs. By not labeling the characters' tribes, the show allows for a wider range of representation. The writers' room consists of members from various tribes, ensuring diverse perspectives and indigenous representation. This approach enables the show to provide a relatable and inclusive experience for indigenous audiences, regardless of their tribal background. The cast of Reservation Dogs also reflects this diversity, with actors representing different indigenous cultures and tribes. This amalgamation pays tribute to numerous real-life tribes in the United States, creating a rich tapestry of indigenous cultures and lifestyles.

Sources: Los Angeles Times, The Atlantic