IN CONVERSATION WITH AMINAH NIEVES

Aminah Nieves stars in Taylor Sheridan’s critically acclaimed show ‘1923’, which returned for season 2 on 23rd February. Aside from ‘1923’, she has a role in the iconic Kathryn Bigelow’s untitled project for Netflix that is on the horizon.

Teonna Rainwater’s story in ‘1923’ has deeply resonated with audiences. How has playing this role impacted you personally?

Teonna has changed my life. She has connected me deeper to myself, and how I desire to show up in this world. She's given me confidence, and reminded me of my own resilience. She's offered space for my own family to dive into deep wounds, and I feel like she's given me my voice back. There is absolutely no point in diminishing your own worth, your own love, your own power for the sake of someone else's feelings or perception of you. Let the world hear your cries, and may they be loud, and full grit because all we have is time, and time can move with you or against you. 

What can fans expect from Season 2 of ‘1923’? Will we see Teonna’s journey take any unexpected turns?

Love, resilience, revenge, and nothing but heart. I think Teonna’s journey in Season 2 will be unexpected for sure and will ultimately leave viewers wanting more. 

The show explores themes of resilience and survival. How did you prepare for such an emotionally intense role?

I prepared in the best way I knew how to. I sat with my family in temezcali/lodge almost every week. It was stillness that guided me. I had to get myself so incredibly still, so I wouldn't forget once I was alone and reverberating every second of every day. Birdie Real Bird was our language coach and Apsaalooke/crow advisor. She completely opened her arms to teach us anything we wanted to know about Crow Nation. Every nation is different, so having her there to inform us of Crow ways was extremely important. Also her laugh ripples through time and space, and can heal generations.

You share the screen with legends like Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren. What has it been like working with them?

I mean, Michael Spears, Sebastian Roche, Jennifer Ehle, Jennifer Carpenter, Timothy Dalton, Harry and Helen. It's been a dream. I've gained some incredible friends, family, and mentors in each of them. They each have something so undeniable about them. The way they view the world is not how these young ones think. It's stripped of ego and perfection, and I think that's what makes each of them such mesmerizing storytellers. I will cherish each intimate moment I've shared with them, and If I begin to forget, I can call them to reignite that flame once more.

Taylor Sheridan is known for his powerful storytelling. What was the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from working on ‘1923’?

I think the most valuable lesson I learned from ‘1923’ was to speak up, even if your voice shakes. Speak up for yourself, for your character, and for your people. You've only got one chance in this lifetime, so make every second count, and stand in integrity. My boundaries got stronger, and in that my capacity to love multiplied. 

You’re also part of Kathryn Bigelow’s upcoming Netflix project. Can you share anything about your role and story of this upcoming project?

Just know it's a completely different character and was a fun challenge.

Your career is on a rise. What kind of roles or stories are you excited to explore next?

All of it. Acting for me was and still is an outlet for pain, and an outlet for joy. I have so many parts of myself left to discover over and over again. I would love to do some comedy, maybe something with music to blend both of my loves together. Let’s be real though, drama is my favorite because it does allow me to transmute my own pain, as well as others. I will say though, I've been trying to get super ripped and as fit as possible for future stunt heavy roles. I love pushing my body and mind past the limit. Just don't ask me to run, because I have duck feet.

As an Indigenous actress, what does it mean to you to bring authentic representation to Hollywood?

Authentic representation is paramount, and I want to see more authentic representation across all fields in Hollywood. I want to see powerhouse stories written by Indigenous and Black creators, with a full led Indigenous crew and team. I want us and all BIPOC kin to walk into these big companies and not have to prove ourselves. I want these studios and producers to trust us just like they trust and throw money around to our white counterparts. Our stories deserve to be told by us and backed with the same vigor as they back white led projects. Until then, it is up to us to bring our aunties, mamis, uncles and papis to live the best we can because it is rare for us to be included in Hollywood. And we will never disappoint because we know what's at stake. 

You were named a BAFTA Breakthrough in 2023. How has that recognition influenced your career?

Being a BAFTA Breakthrough was such a 'what the absolute heck’ moment for me. I remember my manager and I casually freaking out for a quick second. It's been such an honor, I've gotten to create some lasting friendships with my fellow Breakthroughs, as well as some icons who I've admired for years. This achievement gifted me the opportunity to pick the brains of some of the greats. Those conversations are truly worth more than opal in my eyes, and completely shifted my mind as an artist and uplifted me in a way that I could never repay. 

When you’re not acting, what are some things you love to do?

When I'm not acting, you'll always find me somewhere with my hands in the land, or running around ragged with all the babies. Before acting really took off, I owned my own Herbal Medicine and Doula practice. I had the opportunity to grow up around some really incredible medicine keepers, artists, and good old Indiana sweetness. it's become very important to me to continue learning everything about these lands, and harnessing what I can for my future and present cubs. I have this fear that one day I'll leave earthside with nothing to give to the youth, so I hope one day all the silly guitar lessons or long walks identifying plants, and dancing until our toes go numb will pay off. I hope they'll at least remember just how deeply they are loved.

TEAM CREDITS:

photography JONNY MARLOW
styling AMANDA LIM
hair KAT THOMPSON
makeup PIRCILLA PAE