Steven Thompson-Oakes talks about his time on Barkskins Show

By Mahlon Smoke

BARKSKINS centers on a group of settlers in the late 1600's who find themselves struggling for survival, conflicting loyalties, and finding themselves at odds with the Native people who still are in the area. The mini-series is based on book by Annie Proulx and the TV series will star prominent actors such as Steven McCarthy, David Thewlis, and Kaniehtiio Horn (Kahnawake) as Mari. Kaniehtiio Horn isn't the only a Mohawk actor featured in this series, but other actors from Akwesasne are featured as well. From background extras to front and center. One actor, Steven Thompson-Oakes, decided to share his experience on this Natural Geographic original drama.

Thompson-Oakes plays an extra in the show and was given the role of "Fire Holder" in one episode. He has had previous experience on screen and saw an audition role for the mini-series and sent in his portfolio. The following day he was contacted and flown out, given a place to stay, and treated very well by the crew. While Thompson-Oakes didn't play a large role during the time of shooting, he was given the chance to work alongside big-name actors on the shoot.

"There were some really big people on the show like [Zahn McClarnon], who's an inspiration of mine and it was just an honor to work with him and see how he does his stuff," Thompson-Oakes said about one of the many big name Indigenous actors involved in the project, all of them bringing everything they could to their roles.

Their hard work didn't go unnoticed as when the show wrapped up filming, one of the main leads, Marcia Gay Harden, approached the group and told them what a wonderful job they all did. Thompson-Oakes wasn't aware of who she was until someone told him, which he took with a sense of pride.

While on the set, getting the chance to work and hang out with other Mohawk actors was what made the experience worthwhile. Of course, it was also having a role to play in a tv series that pays respects to Iroquois culture and having Mohawk actors play the roles.

"I feel like people will like it because it's us. They're [the writers and producers of the show] are very respectful and very authentic." Thompson-Oakes said, speaking about what people will like about Barkskins the most.

He said that many Mohawk people were consulted and a lot that is portrayed is very close to what actually happened during those times. The crew were very careful in how they wrote, costumed and even prepared the sets to be as close to Mohawk culture as possible. He also cites the story and characters being a major factor into the show as well.

Barkskins airs on NatGeo starting May 25th and will run for 10 episodes for the first season.