Choctaw Chief stars in episode of Netflix’s ‘Spirit Rangers’
DURANT, Okla. (KFOR) – Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Chief Gary Batton appears in the recently-launched second season of Netflix’s 'Spirit Rangers.'
The animated show focuses on Kodi, Summer, and Eddy, three Native American kids living and working in a national park with their family. But the siblings have a secret: They can transform into spirits and enter the Spirit Park, where they help protect the natural environment, they call home.
Batton voiced an animated version of himself in the fourth episode, 'Chief of the Day.'
Dealing with dust devils, the siblings discover that leaders come in all shapes and sizes.
Netflix synopsis of 'Chief of the Day' episode
“Hollywood is learning something important – audiences love Native stories, especially when they’re told by Native people,” Batton said. “Being asked to represent the Choctaw people and help tell our story and share our culture was an incredible honor – and a lot of fun!”
Series creator Karissa Valencia (Samala Chumash) said Spirit Rangers gives much-needed inspiration to Indigenous kids.
“I just remember that feeling as a little Native kid and just feeling absolutely invisible,” Valencia said. "I love my culture and I’ve just never really seen it represented on screen.”
The show features an all-Native writing staff, including Choctaw Nation member Shelley Dennis.