Nathaniel Arcand is a prolific Canadian actor who has garnered attention and praise for his performances both on stage and screen. Born on November 13, 1971, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Arcand hails from the Plains Cree Nation. Over the past two decades, he has carved out a successful career in film and television, becoming a valuable role model for young Indigenous individuals aspiring to pursue careers in the arts. This article will explore Nathaniel Arcand’s career highlights and discuss how his accomplishments can be showcased as teaching points for students.
Early life and career beginnings:
Growing up, Nathaniel Arcand was drawn to the world of entertainment, inspired by his older brother’s foray into acting. With encouragement from his family and community, Arcand made his acting debut at the age of 17 in a small play produced by his brother. His innate talent shone through, leading to several additional opportunities in local theater productions.
Breaking into television and film:
Arcand’s first major break came when he was cast as William MacNeil in the award-winning Canadian television series “North of 60” (1992-1997). His portrayal of the soft-spoken yet resilient constable brought him recognition and critical acclaim, eventually landing him roles in popular Canadian series like “Due South” (1994) and “The Rez” (1996).
In 2001, Arcand made his film debut with “Songcatcher,” a movie centered on the Appalachian culture crisis. His performance as Yilx Native American Tom Bledsoe opened doors to bigger productions such as “American Outlaws” (2001), where he worked alongside Hollywood actors like Colin Farrell and Scott Caan. He continued to land prominent roles in various TV series like “Into the West” (2005), “Heartland” (2007-2021), and most recently, as Victor Standing Bear in “FBI: Most Wanted” (2020).
Using Arcand’s career as a teaching resource:
Incorporating Nathaniel Arcand into lessons can be beneficial for students for several reasons:
1. A relatable role model: For Indigenous students, seeing Arcand’s success can inspire them to pursue their dreams, knowing that someone with a similar cultural background has flourished in the entertainment industry.
2. Addressing representation: Discussing Arcand’s career highlights can lead to conversations about the importance of diversity and representation in film and television. Students can analyze the types of roles he has played, and how these roles have challenged or perpetuated stereotypes of Indigenous people.
3. Career exploration: By examining Nathaniel Arcand’s journey, students can learn about the various aspects of the entertainment industry, such as acting techniques, auditioning, and networking strategies. These insights can help students interested in pursuing careers in the arts be better prepared for entering the field.
Conclusion:
Teaching students about Nathaniel Arcand serves as an excellent opportunity to discuss representation within the media and inspire young minds to pursue their artistic dreams. Through studying his career, students get a glimpse into the life and success of an influential Indigenous actor and role model. By using his story as a foundation for discussions on race, identity, and perseverance, educators have the ability to empower and inspire future generations of actors, artists, and leaders.
