Local writer to appear in Eddie Murphy movie

Dr. A.C. Ross shares heritage, language in 'Nowhereland'

By Jennifer Gilbert

November 07, 2007

Dr. A.C. Ross can now add film actor to his list of accolades, although he is unlikely to consider it his most important accomplishment.

Teton Sioux Ehanamani, aka Dr. Allan C. Ross, has written five books relating to Native American heritage. Ross was recruited to play a Sioux spiritual man, a role he initially declined. Producers and directors were looking for an older man with long white hair. Ross' long locks fit the look the filmmakers wanted.  

During filming of the Eddie Murphy film, "Nowhereland," in Lakewood, Ross was recruited to play a Sioux spiritual man. The producers and directors wanted an older man with long white hair, and Ross' locks fit the role.

Ross did not want to participate in the movie, but the Lakewood resident eventually relented for the locally-made film.

He came back early from his position of educating visitors at Crazy Horse Monument for the event. A writer and professor by trade, Ross had played an extra in numerous films throughout the past decades.

He was impressed with the effort that went into accurately producing the film and the portrayal of Native Americans.

In the film, Ross' character, Old Red Bear, presents Murphy's foe with a star blanket and blesses the blanket in Ross' native Lakota Sioux language.

The star blanket is a traditional vestment with a star that is good luck for the wearer.

The Sioux placed star robes on their dead so the star would guide the deceased to the spirit world, and the robe has been replaced with a blanket in modern funerals.

"I was really surprised how much research they did," Ross said. "I was really surprised how much the prop man knew about the star quilt. He did a good job."

The writer was also surprised how much time the crew spent perfecting the scene, completing 25 takes as they tried to shorten the Sioux blessing being said over the blanket.

Still, Ross was pleased to see so much effort put into a proper representation.

Ross has spent most of his life studying Indian traditions and heroes, including Crazy Horse and others. He tries to share as much as he can about Sioux traditions and heritage through his educational work and also his books.

His first book, "We are All Related," was published in 1989 and depicts the interrelation of global cultures. He wrote four more books that are popular throughout the United States and Europe.

His ability to relate his ideas earned him his Sioux name Ehanamani, which means "walks among." He grew up on the Rosebud and Pine Ridge reservations in South Dakota and spent his life there until moving to Lakewood 14 years ago.

His world travels have given him a lot of understanding. They also have helped him appreciate the efforts of visitors to South Dakota to comprehend his heritage.

"I try to help them understand," he said. "We don't laugh at them when they ask silly questions. They don't know any better. They're just trying to learn."

Lakewood Community Editor Jennifer Gilbert can be reached at 303-279-5541, ext. 263.