Tatanka Means
Native American Actor, Motivational Guest Speaker, Stand-up Comedian and Son of Russell Means
Tatanka Means is an award-winning actor, stand-up comedian and motivational speaker from Chinle, Arizona.
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Full Bio
Tatanka Means is an award-winning actor, stand-up comedian and motivational speaker from Chinle, Arizona. He represents the Navajo, Oglala Lakota and Omaha Nations. His most recent movie credits include THE SON on AMC, the upcoming film ONCE UPON a RIVER based on the New York Times best seller, and THE CHICKASAW RANCHER produced by the Chickasaw Nation.
Means can be seen starring in the television movie SAINTS & STRANGERS for the National Geographic Channel, and in the AMC series THE SON with Pierce Brosnan. He can also be seen in A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST, season two of BANSHEE on Cinemax, THE NIGHT SHIFT on NBC, and GRAVES with Nick Nolte. Other highlights in film and television include appearing as Crazy Horse in Steven Spielberg’s TNT mini-series INTO THE WEST, and in his role as “Wolf” in TIGER EYES based upon the novel by acclaimed author Judy Blume.
Aside from acting Tatanka performs stand-up comedy internationally throughout the U.S. and Canada. Tatanka is one of the busiest touring Native comedians performing today. You can also catch him with the hilarious Native American Comedy group, 49 Laughs. Tatanka travels Indian Country spreading laughter and messages of motivation to all ages entertaining audiences everywhere from casinos and schools, conferences and colleges to prisons and rehab centers. Means was recognized and awarded for his comedy by being voted “Best Comedian” by Albuquerque The Magazine.
Means has also developed and launched his own screen printing company, Tatanka Clothing. Apparel designed and created to uplift and inspire cultural empowerment.
A dedicated entertainer and entrepreneur Means was recognized and awarded with the Entrepreneur of the Year Award by the American Indian Business Leaders.
Tatanka’s ambition and perseverance has taken him from his home on the reservation to traveling across North America. He has become a much-needed role model for all American Indian First Nations youth. Tatanka is proud to be an alcohol & drug-free sober performer and living a healthy lifestyle.
Testimonials
Dear Peter & PDA Team,Kurt Warner was spectacular. We could not have asked for anything more than what occurred. He wowed the audience. He solidified major leadership points. He was an amazing partner. We will be talking about this experience for years to come.We will definitely leverage you and your team for all of our speaking needs…thank you!!!
Sysco
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Coach Dick Vermeil was fabulous. Thanks for the assist on getting him booked for our show. The Coach joined our board for dinner on Tuesday night. Our attendees really enjoyed having him there and I think he had a good time too but really thank you again PDA for all your hard work and cant wait to use you guys again!
ACA International - Business Conference
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
Native Americans: Past, Present, and Future
From our creation as a people to fighting for our lives, we exist in a pop culture with the last of our elders. Means explores a reality of living in two worlds while preserving life and culture.
Youth Empowerment
Believing in yourself, you are enough and nothing is impossible.
American Indians and Hollywood in the 21st Century
Means looks at Indians in film in the 21st Century and their role in Hollywood, then discusses stereotypes of the modern Indian.
Videos
Tatanka Means at Northern Edge Casino "Picadilly"
Awesome comedy from Tatanka Means will put a smile on your face
Tatanka Means: Playing Hobbamock - Saints & Strangers
Books
News
Testimonials
Having Tatanka as our school’s guest speaker for Native American Heritage Month was an honor to say the least. He has such a way with the students, and perfectly blends humor with his message. What I loved even more was that he made sure he took the time to see every student or adult that wanted to meet him after his speech and left an amazing impression on everyone in attendance. He certainly is a role model for today’s youth and we would love to bring him back again if given the opportunity!”
Kingston High School
Tatanka Means began our Families Learning Summit 2016 as the featured speaker at the opening session. He was so generous with his time, connecting with our 700 conference participants, sharing personal stories, while inspiring and motivating over 100 American Indian teachers in the audience. His humor and real-life, inspirational experiences were so motivational to the many teachers and administrators in the audience. He spent over three hours after his speech with our American Indian participants who were very honored to have conversation and picture taking time with one of their famous role models.”
National Center for Families Learning
This was a very mission-centric endeavor, and Tatanka was gracious throughout, visiting more than 700 students and educators at three venues in a single day. At each venue, Tantanka was masterful at engaging the audience, weaving life events into his inspirational message and providing insight into his most current project, Saints & Strangers. He also signed promotional posters at each event, which the students loved. Thanks for inviting us to screen Saints & Strangers. Tatanka was such a delight, and a tremendous ambassador on so many levels, I am quite certain his reach and message will only grow in scope and impact.
The Durham Museum
Tatanka Means smashed it! He left everyone laughing all through the week. Mr. Means greeted our community with open arms as if he had been part of our community all his life. Brother, I would welcome you back anytim
Colorado River Indian Tribes
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