Nathan Chasing Horse sentenced to at least 37 years for sexual assault

Former actor Nathan Chasing Horse has been sentenced to a minimum of 37 years in prison for sexually assaulting Indigenous women and girls.

The 49-year-old, known for his role in the film Dances With Wolves, was convicted on 13 charges related to assaults on three women, including a victim who was 14 at the time the abuse began.

Chasing Horse, also known as Nathan Lee Chasing His Horse, had a reputation as a medicine man among Indigenous tribes in the United States and Canada.

The court heard that he exploited his position as a spiritual leader, with victims attending his ceremonies or seeking his medical help.

One victim, Corena Leone-LaCroix, who was 14 when the abuse started, spoke publicly about the impact, saying she lost her youth and childhood opportunities.

The judge condemned Chasing Horse for manipulating the victims' spirituality for his own gratification.

The case is significant as it highlights the abuse of trust and authority within Indigenous communities, particularly by individuals in positions of spiritual leadership.

The sentencing follows a trial where jurors heard testimony from three women who described the assaults.

Deputy district attorney Bianca Pucci described the defendant's actions as a "web of abuse" spanning nearly two decades.

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