A. Martinez on 'Longmire' and Native American Portrayal

NEW YORK, July 26 (UPI) -- A. Martinez, known for his role in the contemporary western series *Longmire*, believes the show has significantly influenced the current trend of featuring Indigenous characters and narratives in television and film. In a recent interview during the annual Longmire Days festival in Buffalo, Wyoming, Martinez emphasized that the series provided numerous opportunities for Indigenous actors to portray complex and fully developed characters, marking a revolutionary shift in representation. Martinez, who played Jacob Nighthorse for six seasons, reflected on the show's enduring popularity on Netflix, which is based on Craig Johnson's best-selling *Walt Longmire* mystery novels. The series centers around Sheriff Walt Longmire, who embodies "honesty and integrity," and his interactions with Native American characters, including his best friend Henry Standing Bear and casino owner Jacob Nighthorse. Martinez noted the show's ability to target a more specific audience, which has proven successful. The conversation around Indigenous representation in media has gained momentum, particularly following the recent Emmy Awards nominations. Notably, *Reservation Dogs*, featuring Zahn McClarnon, received a nomination for Best Comedy, while its lead, D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, was shortlisted for Best Actor in a Comedy. Additionally, *True Detective: Night Country* and Lily Gladstone's performance in *Under the Bridge* garnered critical acclaim, highlighting the increasing visibility of Native American artists in the industry.