Emerging Cherokee actors Cheyenne Gagner and Riker Sixkiller discuss craft, authenticity and Nanyahi return

Cheyenne Gagner and Riker Sixkiller described how local theater, early gigs and networking led them into acting and stunt work, and they urged authentic, varied portrayals of Native people on screen and behind the scenes.

Gagner recounted theater at Owasso High School, a transition from teaching into performance and the responsibility of portraying a historical figure in the musical Nanyahi. "There's just a lot of weight that comes with that of portraying her... it's a historical figure and then really important figure to the Cherokees," she said.

Sixkiller said early background work and a demo reel that showcased fight choreography helped him land roles and stunt work, and he highlighted local productions and training as gateways into union and screen work.

Both actors emphasized the need for Native people in directing, crew and casting roles so portrayals are multidimensional and contemporary. They announced another run of Nanyahi in October 2026 and said auditions will be scheduled in the summer of 2026 to involve young Indigenous performers and community members.

The segment offered practical examples—local auditions and production dates—rather than formal program commitments from external funders. No casting calls' exact dates or funding sources were specified on air.