Dark Winds: A Powerful Native American Story Brought to Life in the Heart of New Mexico
By ERMW Team
Thursday, May 8, 2025
AMC's critically acclaimed series "Dark Winds" has captivated audiences with its compelling mysteries, rich cultural tapestry, and stunning Southwestern landscapes. Based on Tony Hillerman's iconic "Leaphorn & Chee" novels, the show is not only a gripping crime thriller but also a significant step forward in authentic representation on television, thanks in no small part to its talented cast and its deep connection to the filming locations in New Mexico.
Set in the 1970s on the Navajo Nation, "Dark Winds" follows Navajo Tribal Police Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon) and his younger deputy Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon) as they investigate a series of complex and often supernatural crimes. Their work delves into the intricate traditions, spiritual beliefs, and challenges faced by the Navajo community, offering viewers a unique and rarely seen perspective.
A Predominantly Native American Cast: Authenticity and Excellence
One of the most remarkable aspects of "Dark Winds" is its commitment to authentic representation, both in front of and behind the camera. The series boasts a predominantly Native American cast, bringing a crucial layer of lived experience and understanding to the storytelling.
Zahn McClarnon as Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn: A veteran actor of Lakota (Standing Rock) descent, McClarnon delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as the stoic and deeply principled Leaphorn. His commanding presence and subtle emotional depth are central to the show's success.
Kiowa Gordon as Deputy Jim Chee: A member of the Hualapai Tribe, Gordon portrays the intelligent and often conflicted Chee with a compelling blend of vulnerability and determination. His character's journey from an outsider to someone deeply connected to the Navajo way of life is a key narrative thread.
Jessica Matten as Sergeant Bernadette Manuelito: Of Cree and Métis descent, Matten brings a fierce intelligence and unwavering dedication to the role of Manuelito, a sharp and resourceful sergeant who works closely with Leaphorn. Her character provides a vital perspective on the challenges faced by women in law enforcement within the Navajo Nation.
Deanna Allison as Emma Leaphorn: A member of the Navajo Nation, Allison portrays Leaphorn's insightful and compassionate wife, a nurse who serves as a grounding force in his life and a vital link to the community's well-being.
GUEST ROLES
As the show has progressed, the cast has expanded to include many other talented actors in recurring and guest roles. Some of these include:
Rainn Wilson as Devoted Dan (Season 1)
Noah Emmerich as Whitover (Season 1)
Eugene Brave Rock as Frank Nakai (Season 1)
Jeremiah Bitsui as Hoski (Seasons 1-2)
Nicholas Logan as Colton Wolf (Season 2)
Jeri Ryan as Rosemary Vines (Season 2)
Jacqueline Byers as Mary Landon (Season 2)
Alex Meraz as Border Patrol Agent Ivan Muños (Season 3)
Terry Serpico as Border Patrol Senior Chief Ed Henry (Season 3)
Jenna Elfman as FBI Special Agent Sylvia Washington (Season 3)
Bruce Greenwood as Tom Spenser (Season 3)
Beyond the core trio, "Dark Winds" features a wealth of talented Native American actors in recurring and guest roles, further enriching the authenticity and depth of the series. This commitment to casting not only provides crucial opportunities for Native American performers but also ensures a level of cultural understanding and respect that elevates the storytelling.
FROM THE LAND OF ENCHANTMENT
"Dark Winds" has significantly benefited from the talent of local New Mexican actors, contributing to the show's authenticity and connection to the region. Here are some of the actors from New Mexico who have appeared in the series:
Deanna Allison: A member of the Navajo Nation and originally from New Mexico, she plays Emma Leaphorn, Joe Leaphorn's wife. Her deep connection to Diné traditions brings a crucial layer of authenticity to her portrayal.
Natalie Benally: Plays Officer Natalie Bluehouse/Dispatch Operator. As a New Mexico native, she brings a local perspective to her role within the tribal police force.
A. Martinez: While his career spans many locations, Martinez has strong ties to New Mexico and plays Sheriff Gordo Sena in "Dark Winds."
Elva Guerra: A member of the Ponca Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, but with connections to the region, she portrays Sally Growing Thunder in the earlier seasons.
Jeremiah Bitsui: While his heritage includes the Navajo and Omaha tribes, Bitsui has spent significant time in New Mexico and plays Hoski.
Joseph Runningfox: Plays Henry Leaphorn. As a Native American actor, his presence contributes to the show's authentic representation.
Betty Ann Tsosie: Plays Margaret Cigaret. As a Native American actress with ties to the region, she adds to the show's local flavor.
Ryan Begay: Portrays Guy Atcitty. His involvement as a Native American actor from the area enhances the show's commitment to local talent.
Gary Yazzie: Plays Hastiin Biyaazhi. His participation as a Native American actor from New Mexico enriches the ensemble cast.
Ernest David Tsosie III: Plays Roger. While Wikipedia notes his hometown as Window Rock, Arizona, his acting credits include "Dark Winds," indicating his involvement in the New Mexico-based production.
New Mexico has a rich history in film and a strong community of local actors. Beyond "Dark Winds," some well-known actors who were born or raised in New Mexico include:
The state also has organizations like the New Mexico Actors Lab in Santa Fe, which fosters local talent and provides opportunities for actors in the region. The presence of Camel Rock Studios, a Native American-owned film studio near Santa Fe, further supports and provides opportunities for Indigenous actors and crew. View the full Cast & Crew on Imdb.
Filming in the Heart of Navajo Country and New Mexico:
The visual landscape of "Dark Winds" is as integral to the story as its characters and plot. The series is filmed extensively in New Mexico, with key locations within and around the Navajo Nation. This deliberate choice immerses viewers in the stark beauty and unique atmosphere of the Southwest, grounding the narrative in a tangible and culturally significant environment.
Navajo Nation: A significant portion of filming takes place directly on Navajo Nation land in Arizona and New Mexico, including the iconic Monument Valley. These locations provide a breathtaking backdrop of towering sandstone buttes and vast desert plains, underscoring the isolation and the deep spiritual connection the characters have to their land. The production works closely with tribal leaders to ensure respectful and accurate portrayals of the environment and the Navajo way of life.
Camel Rock Studios (Santa Fe County): This Native American-owned film and television studio, located near Tesuque Pueblo, serves as a crucial production hub for "Dark Winds." The use of this facility not only provides state-of-the-art resources but also reinforces the series' commitment to supporting Indigenous communities in the film industry.
Santa Fe and Española: These New Mexico cities and their surrounding areas also feature prominently in the filming locations, offering diverse landscapes that range from high desert to more verdant river valleys. These locations provide versatility for different settings within the show's narrative.
The production design of "Dark Winds" meticulously recreates the 1970s setting, from the clothing and vehicles to the interiors of homes and police stations. The use of the Diné language throughout the series further immerses viewers in the cultural landscape, adding another layer of authenticity and richness.
New Mexico's Film Incentives: A Boon for "Dark Winds" and Beyond
New Mexico has become a significant hub for film and television production in recent years, largely due to its attractive film incentives. The state offers a refundable tax credit for qualified production expenditures, with potential uplifts for television series and productions filmed outside the Albuquerque and Santa Fe metropolitan areas.
These incentives have undoubtedly played a role in attracting productions like "Dark Winds" to the state. By making filming in New Mexico more financially viable, the state has fostered a thriving industry that provides jobs for local crews, supports local businesses, and showcases the state's stunning locations and diverse cultures to a global audience. The commitment to filming on Native American lands, coupled with these incentives, creates a mutually beneficial relationship between the production and the state's Indigenous communities.
A Groundbreaking Series Rooted in Place and People
"Dark Winds" is more than just a crime drama; it's a powerful and authentic portrayal of Navajo life, culture, and the challenges faced in the 1970s Southwest. The series' success is deeply intertwined with its talented and predominantly Native American cast, who bring truth and nuance to their characters, and its striking filming locations across New Mexico, which serve as a vital backdrop to the unfolding mysteries. By choosing to film in the heart of Navajo country and leveraging New Mexico's supportive film industry, "Dark Winds" has created a groundbreaking television experience that resonates with audiences while offering a long-overdue platform for Indigenous storytelling. As the series continues to captivate viewers, it stands as a testament to the power of authentic representation and the beauty of the New Mexican landscape.
