A groundbreaking partnership aims to reshape representation by supporting Indigenous creators, actors and storytellers

A Landmark Collaboration for Representation

25 November 2025: AMC Networks has partnered with Dark Winds actress Jessica Matten to launch a new initiative dedicated to uplifting Indigenous talent across film and television. Matten, an outspoken advocate for Indigenous visibility and equity in entertainment, is helping lead the program, which aims to create meaningful pathways for Native actors, writers, directors and behind-the-scenes professionals.

In a joint announcement, Matten emphasized the urgency of opening doors that have historically remained closed: “It’s not enough to talk about representation — we need systems that actively create it.” AMC echoed her sentiment, calling the partnership a long-term investment in diverse storytelling.

What the Program Will Do

The new initiative will focus on several key areas designed to directly support Indigenous creatives, including:

Industry Training & Mentorship: Workshops, on-set learning, and industry coaching led by AMC and partner creatives.

Casting & Employment Pipelines: New opportunities for Indigenous actors and crew members on AMC productions.

Script Development Support: Funding and feedback for Indigenous writers developing original film and TV concepts.

Community Partnerships: Collaborations with Indigenous arts organizations to ensure authentic and culturally respectful support.

The program aims to address systemic barriers — from limited industry access to cultural misrepresentation — by creating sustained opportunities instead of one-off placements.

Jessica Matten’s Mission

HOLR has the latest news, and for Matten, this collaboration builds on years of activism and advocacy. Best known for her powerful role in Dark Winds, she has long been a voice for Indigenous visibility, speaking openly about the importance of empowering Native communities to tell their own stories.

Matten shared that the entertainment industry often embraces Indigenous narratives without giving Indigenous talent the resources or authority to shape them. This partnership, she says, is a concrete step toward changing that dynamic.

A Step Toward Real Change

HOLR breaks down the story here: The partnership between AMC Networks and Jessica Matten isn’t just symbolic — it’s a structural move toward equity. By creating training, hiring channels, and development support for Indigenous creatives, the initiative aims to shift the landscape of representation from the inside out.

For Hollywood, it’s a reminder that diversity is not just a trend but a responsibility — and for Indigenous artists, it marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunity and visibility.