LaDonna Harris, left, president of Americans for Indian
Opportunity, poses with actor Johnny Depp at her Albuquerque, N.M., home on May
16, 2012.
(Credit: AP/Americans for Indian
Opportunity) Comanche Nation tribal member LaDonna Harris said Tuesday that the tribal chairman presented Depp with a proclamation at her Albuquerque home on May 16. She said the Comanche adoption tradition means she now considers Depp her son.
Harris said Depp seemed humbled.
The "Dark Shadows" actor is in New Mexico shooting the film adaptation of "The Lone Ranger." He plays "Ranger" Native American sidekick Tonto in the film.
His spokeswoman, Jayne Ngo, confirmed the actor participated in a ceremony, but she declined to provide details.
Harris said she had read in interviews that Depp identified himself as being part Native American, so she thought it would be fun to adopt him - a tradition she says is common in Comanche culture. She ran the idea past her adult children, and they agreed.
Harris said she reached out to Depp through a friend who is working as a cultural adviser on the "Lone Ranger" set.
The Comanche Nation is based in Lawton, Okla. About half of its 15,000 members live in southwestern Oklahoma.
Depp, 48, has been the topic of much discussion in Indian Country and online since he was cast as Tonto, with comments ranging from his costume, to the selection of a non-Native for the part, to how the role itself has historically epitomized Hollywood's misrepresentation of Native culture.
OMG! I called my great aunty in Lawton earlier to see what she thought of this. Her answer reminded me of why I fit in so well with my people. She said, "Well, what do you THINK I think, Ijapuh? Now that good-lookin' boy is a kissin' cuz, and I plan on doin' a whole bunch of kissin' on him." (NOTE: my great aunty is a VERY young 99. She's the 'baby' of three sisters. All are fiesty lil' Comanche women. LOL!)
6 comments:
Can he become a Canadian too? Do you think there is enough of him to go around?
Well first I am so very glad you are back!! Second I love Johnny Depp so I am very jealous. In my office if I am having a stressful day I pop in a Pirates movie of his and all seems right with the world again=)
I was coming to tell you about this. Isn't it great? I love Johnny Depp. And I love you too.
This is cool! Who wouldn't want Johnny Depp as a family member :-)
Beth
Give him a kiss for me and get me his autograph for Pete's sake ..lol! Have a great weekend crazy Lady :)
Sandy xox
Yeah! Give him a KISS for me!!! love him. He is a great humanitarian as being a darned good looking man!
hugzzzzzzzzzzz
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