Gary Batton, chief of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, appears as an animated character in the second season of the Netflix animated series Spirit Rangers.
DURANT, Oklahoma. – Chief of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Gary Batton makes an appearance in the recently launched second season of Netflixis Spirit Rangers.
The animated series focuses on Kodi, Summer and Eddy, three children who live and work with their family in a national park. But the siblings have a secret: They can transform into ghosts and enter the Ghost Park, where they help protect the natural environment they call home.
Batton voiced a character in the fourth episode, “Chief of the Day”.
“Hollywood is learning something important — audiences love Aboriginal stories, especially when told by Aboriginal people,” Batton said. “It has been an incredible honor to represent the Choctaw people and help tell our story and share our culture – and a lot of fun!”
Series creator Karissa Valencia said Spirit Rangers gives indigenous children much-needed inspiration.
“I just remember that feeling as a small aboriginal child and the feeling of being completely invisible,” Valencia said. “I love my culture and I’ve just never really seen it on screen.”
The show features all local writers, including Choctaw Nation member Shelley Dennis.
About the Choctaw Nation
The Choctaw Nation is the third largest Native American nation in the United States with more than 212,000 tribal members and over 12,000 allies. These ancient people have an oral tradition that goes back over 13,000 years. The first tribe crossed the Trail of Tears. Its historic reservation boundaries are in the southeast corner of Oklahoma and cover 10,923 square miles. The Choctaw Nation’s vision to “live out the Chahta spirit of faith, family and culture” is evident as it remains focused on providing opportunities for growth and prosperity.
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