What does the name Sacheen mean?

Sacheen Cruz Littlefeather was an American actress, model, and Native American civil rights activist. She was born Marie Louise Cruz.

She had the name Sacheen while she was participating in the Occupation of Alcatraz (1969-1971).

During the Occupation of Alcatraz, her Navajo friends nicknamed her “Sacheen,” a word she says means “little bear.” She fell in love with the name and began using it.

Perhaps, one of Littlefeather’s most famed moments is when she represented Marlon Brando at the 45th Academy Awards in 1973, where she—on Brando’s behalf—declined the Best Actor award that he won for his performance in The Godfather.

The favorite to win, Brando boycotted the ceremony as a protest against Hollywood’s portrayal of Native Americans and to draw attention to the standoff at Wounded Knee. During her speech, the audience’s response to Brando’s boycotting was divided between booing and applause.

After the Academy Award speech, Littlefeather went on to work in hospice care.

She continued to work in activism for a number of health-related and Native American issues, and had produced films about Native Americans.

In June 2022, the Academy sent Littlefeather a statement of apology, which was read in full at An Evening with Sacheen Littlefeather on September 17.

On Oct. 2, 2022, Littlefeather passed away at the age of 75.