For his role in the upcoming film, The Lone Ranger, Johnny Depp has been made an honorary member of the Comanche Tribe. Depp will play Tonto in the film.
On May 16, 2012 the Comanche Nation tribal chairman presented Depp with a proclamation in Albuquerque on the set of the film.
The Comanche Nation is based in Lawton, Okla. About half of its 15,000 members live in southwestern Oklahoma.
The photos of Johnny Depp as Tonto has stirred controversy in Indian Country.
From the Associated Press:
Comanche Nation tribal member LaDonna Harris said Tuesday that the tribal chairman presented Depp with a proclamation at her Albuquerque home May 16. She said the Comanche adoption tradition means she now considers Depp her son.
Harris said Depp seemed humbled.
His spokeswoman, Jayne Ngo, confirmed the actor participated in a ceremony, but she declined to provide details.
Harris said she had read in interviews that Depp identified himself as being part Native American, so she thought it would be fun to adopt him—a tradition she says is common in Comanche culture. She ran the idea past her adult children, and they agreed.
Jae Jae42
says:I am looking for an average in cost to set up a stand to sell merchandice. I would like to know if this site has a list of costs for each individual powwows; It would be very helpful for small business who are looking to set up for their next powwow, hiy hiy!
Paul G
says:Each event their own costs and guidelines. You have to contact each directly.
isabel
says:who care what percentage is what!!! as long as he has a kind heart and donates money to orphanages and poor who cares if he is indian or not!!! we should all appreciate it!!!
Elizabeth Beeney Freville
says:I adore Johnny Depp! I had no idea that he was NA though! My husband, daughter and grandchildren have NA blood in them, but I do not. (Commanche and Cherokee, though we don’t know how much percentage wise.) GO JOHNNY!!! <3
shirrlene jansen
says:I don’t care what part he plays in any movie just so he is in it. Maybe he is like me and doesn’t know the per centage of Indian Blood in him. BUT HE IS STILL GREAT>!!!!
ron holwell
says:all the native actors are amazing in the roles they play graham greene adam beach and many more
joe begaye
says:i m part cherrykoo myself
Jessica Harrison
says:I absolutely agree! He is an absolute asset to humanity! I am a full blood Native and also know other things he’s done that other ‘actors’ wouldn’t bring themselves ‘down’ to do. As a native person myself, he makes me proud.
Tabbetha Wright
says:Awesome Auntie Ladonna! Maybe this will be the catalyst for Mr. Depp to dig in and embrace his own tribal traditions and heritage. Plus, does this make him my cousin now? LOL!
Elkey
says:Another white man playing an NdN and getting his butt kissed, WHY?
Hollywood sucks.
Susan Solomon
says:well, its adoption and he said he part Native American, plus the adult children approved!