By Tyrone Sitting Eagle
Mosiah Crowfoot, a 12-year-old grade seven student from Siksika Nation, has captured the spotlight with his role in the newly released Netflix series American Primeval. Premiering on January 9, 2025, the miniseries quickly rose to the top, becoming the number one show in Canada. Set in the time 1857 during the Utah War, the series was created by Mark L. Smith and directed by Peter Berg.
Crowfoot, the son of Samuel and Monika Crowfoot, and grandson of Ellen and Strater Crowfoot, as well as Laura and Romero Brown, stars as “Young Elk,” the son of War Chief Red Feather and grandson of Winter Bird. This marks a major milestone for the young actor, who appears in five out of the six episodes of the series. In an interview with Siksika Media, Mosiah shared how much he enjoyed working with some of the industry’s most well-known actors, including Irene Bedard, known for her role as Pocahontas in the 1995 Disney film, and Derek Hinky, who portrays Red Feather.
“I got to meet Irene Bedard, and I also met Tokala Black Elk, whose character is Buffalo Run. I worked with Derek Hinky (Red Feather), Lily Joy Winder (My Heart), director Peter Berg, and creator Mark Smith. It was amazing to meet so many talented people,” Crowfoot said.
Despite his young age, Mosiah displayed a remarkable level of professionalism on set, noting that he didn’t feel nervous during filming. “I thought the series wasn’t going to be that big, so I was surprised when it became such a success,” he admitted. Crowfoot also reflected on one of his most exciting moments on set, when he filmed an action sequence involving a run and an explosion. Although the scene didn’t make the final cut, he described it as a thrilling experience.
The proud parents of Mosiah, Samuel and Monika Crowfoot, expressed how excited they are for their son’s accomplishments but emphasized that they’ve always wanted him to pursue this opportunity on his own terms. “This started out as something fun, just a small thing he wanted to try,” said Samuel Crowfoot. “But now it’s turned into something a bit more serious. We try not to make it a very big priority though.”
Mosiah’s success on American Primeval is a testament to his talent and the support of his family. His parents are committed to ensuring he balances his acting career with his education, allowing him to pursue his dreams without pressure.
As American Primeval continues to captivate audiences, Mosiah Crowfoot is showing the community in Siksika, that it is possible to dream big and pursue whatever you want, as well, being a good role model for others who are looking to do the same.