My Native America

“My Native America” is a documentary presented in an episodic travel exploration show format. This documentary will introduce “My Native America” creator and host Jim Warne (Tásunka akân Wicakte) from the Oglala Lakota of the Oceti Sakowin (The Great Sioux Nations).

Jim has been a lifelong advocate, educator and storyteller addressing Indigenous Cultures, Public Health Disparities, Disability Challenges, and protection of sovereignty for Indian Country. As a university administrator he has created several indigenous programs at various medical schools throughout the nation. He has devoted most of his professional life in the university systems indigenizing curriculum through program and organizational development.

Jim is a member of the NFL Alumni, a member of Arizona State University’s Rose Bowl Championship team as an All-Pac 10 tackle, a collegiate All-American Powerlifting National Champion, and a member of several Athletic and Academic Hall of Fame’s. Jim used his scholarship to earn his degree at ASU and later a master’s degree at San Diego State.

After professional football, Jim pursued his dream of being a Hollywood actor and stuntman. Jim’s role as “Bull” in the film “The Substitute,” starring Tom Berringer where they were recognized for their big fight scene. Jim retired from acting due to frustrations of stereotypes that he could not avoid in 1990’s Hollywood. Today there are more Tribal members behind the camera, producing, directing, and writing the stories through an indigenous lens. As an elder, Jim says “it does his heart good to see the Native Youth get an opportunity to thrive in the film industry”.

My Native America will begin in San Diego, the “homebase” for “My Native America”. San Diego County is home to 18 separate recognized Indian Reservations, the most concentrated area of Tribal Nations in one county.