A sexual assault case against Nathan Chasing Horse, the former actor known for his role in the 1990 Oscar-winning film Dances With Wolves, remains active in Penticton provincial court despite his recent life sentence in the United States for similar crimes. Chasing Horse was sentenced on Monday in a Nevada court after being convicted in January on 13 charges involving three Indigenous women and girls.
Ongoing Proceedings in British Columbia
The B.C. Crown prosecutor has indicated that the future of the case in Penticton depends on the appeals process for Chasing Horse. Ann Taylor, a spokeswoman for the B.C. Prosecution Service, stated in an email that once sentencing and any appeals in the U.S. are exhausted, authorities will assess next steps for the Penticton prosecution. The charge stems from an alleged sexual assault near Keremeos in September 2018.
Background of the Case
Chasing Horse, also known as Nathan Lee Chases His Horse, was first arrested in the U.S. in February 2023. Shortly thereafter, in early February 2023, he was charged with sexual assault in B.C. for the 2018 incident. However, the charges were stayed in November 2023 due to the ongoing U.S. legal proceedings. A stay typically results in charges being dropped after one year, but on October 31, 2024, the B.C. prosecutor recommenced the file.
The Penticton court registry reported that a warrant was issued for his arrest at the time of the initial charge and again on October 31, 2024. It remains unclear whether either warrant is currently active. Additionally, an outstanding warrant exists in Alberta, according to the Tsuut'ina Nation Police.
U.S. Conviction and Sentencing
In the U.S., Chasing Horse was found guilty of abusing victims under the guise of offering spiritual healing as an Indigenous faith healer. The judge, before announcing the life sentence, noted that evidence showed he preyed on the women's trust and spirituality, manipulating them for his own gratification. Chasing Horse maintained his innocence, calling the conviction a miscarriage of justice.
After his film career, Chasing Horse, a member of the Lakota Nation from South Dakota, traveled to powwows and performed healing ceremonies. U.S. prosecutors argued that he used his reputation to prey on Indigenous women and girls. A jury heard testimony from three women who were sexually assaulted, with multiple victims stating they participated in his ceremonies or sought medical help from him. One victim was 14 years old when the abuse began and was told her mother, who had cancer, would die if she disclosed the abuse.
Next Steps
The B.C. case remains in limbo pending the outcome of Chasing Horse's appeals in the U.S. legal system. The B.C. Prosecution Service will determine further action once the U.S. proceedings are fully resolved.
