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Last year, Tall Chief acted in the film "Lord Finn," shot entirely in Oklahoma. 2017, he played "Soldier" in Jaisey Bates' play "The Day We Were Born" at Oklahoma Contemporary. In 2015, he played "Weli" in Vicki Mooney's play "Hoop Jumper" at the Oklahoma City Civic Center.
From 2000 – 2015, Tall Chief served as the Art Galleries Editor for Native Peoples Magazine. Je has taught writing courses at Oklahoma colleges and universities and is in his third draft of a book about his great-aunts, the renowned Osage ballerinas Maria and Marjorie Tall Chief.
Tall Chief has curated exhibitions of Native art and cultural materials throughout Oklahoma, the U.S., and Paris, France. He previously served as the Director of Arts and Exhibitions for the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum in Oklahoma City, as well as Executive Director of the Jacobson House Native Art Center in Norman.
Tall Chief is a Taildancer and former Drumkeeper for the Greyhorse District of the In’lonshka Osage ceremonial dances. He served as the Head Man Dancer for the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian in New York City and went on to work in both the Education and Public Affairs departments of the museum.
Tall Chief earned his Master's Degree in English from Bemidji State University in Minnesota and a Bachelor's Degree in Communication from the University of Central Oklahoma.
Reviews
Native Hearts (2019)
Dissociation
I was attracted to Al Mertens' exploration of mental health issues in Native Hearts that manifest from trauma, particularly in the form of dissociation. Dissociation can help people that have experienced trauma protect themselves from the memories and the devastating psychological impact of trauma. In Daniel's case in the film, his dissociation becomes his identity or identities.
Although Daniel's story is an extreme example of dissociation, the condition is common among people to varying degrees. I dissociated regularly as a child to detach from trauma. As a result, I developed a vivid imagination, which I tap into when I'm writing a play or prose. Becoming aware that I was dissociating was a major breakthrough
for me in healing from my own trauma.
We see the effects of trauma manifest differently in the other characters in the film. Some cope in healthy ways while some need professional support to live with their trauma. In the film, we see how the effects of trauma can land a person in jail, the hospital, or living on the streets. If you are someone you know may be experiencing mental health issues, please reach out to someone you trust for help. Please don't fight mental illness alone. Call the Mental Health Crisis Line at 988.