Lorie Lee Sekayumptewa, a former administrator with the Navajo Nation Film Office, recalls her unforgettable encounters with Robert Redford during traditional cultural dances at the Hopi village of Hotevilla in New Mexico. This memory, dating back over 30 years, connects to Redford's role as the executive producer of the 1991 film The Dark Wind, which portrays Navajo life. Redford's striking Hollywood looks were complemented by his genuine interest in learning about the tribe’s spiritual beliefs and customs. His visits to the Navajo Nation were particularly meaningful to Sekayumptewa, whose father was the dean of students at the tribal college. “Even at home, he would bring that camera and film home to us, put up a sheet, and we would invite our neighbors and kids to watch these movies together,” reflects the 54-year-old Sekayumptewa, who identifies as Navajo, Hopi, and Sac and Fox Nation. “We were all fans.”
Robert Redford passed away at the age of 89 on Tuesday, leaving behind a profound legacy as an activist and advocate for various causes. While he was certainly not the only liberal activist from Hollywood, few matched his depth of knowledge, humility, and unwavering dedication to his causes. Colleagues and leaders from the movements he championed have reflected on his exceptional legacy, particularly his advocacy for Native Americans and the environment, which flourished during the peak of his acting career.
In the mid-1970s, while starring in blockbuster hits like The Sting and The Way We Were, Redford immersed himself in the burgeoning environmental movement. He vehemently opposed a power plant project in Utah, his adopted home, and lobbied for significant legislation, such as the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act. His commitment extended to joining the board of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), where he remained an influential figure until his passing. “His legacy was extraordinary,” stated NRDC CEO and President Manish Bapna. “He understood the power of storytelling and often discussed climate change's impact on communities, sharing compelling narratives that resonated with many.”
Redford's affinity for the environment was deeply rooted in his upbringing in Southern California during the 1930s and '40s. Witnessing the rapid transformation of Los Angeles into a polluted metropolis after World War II profoundly affected him. His love for nature was reignited during a cross-country motorcycle trip in the early 1960s when he discovered the breathtaking landscapes of Provo Canyon, Utah. This encounter inspired him to settle in the area, where he would later become a prominent advocate for environmental protection.
Throughout his life, Redford was synonymous with environmental advocacy. He established the Foundation to Protect New Mexico Wildlife in collaboration with former Governor Bill Richardson in 2013, aiming to combat efforts to slaughter horses in the state. The following year, the foundation reached a significant agreement with the Navajo Nation to manage thousands of wild horses on the reservation, ensuring their safety from slaughterhouses. To Redford, the wild horse symbolized the spirit of the American West. His environmental advocacy was further supported through the nonprofit group Return to Freedom, Wild Horse Conservation, whose founder, Neda DeMayo, expressed profound sorrow at Redford’s passing, recognizing him as “an irreplaceable artist, activist, and environmentalist.”
Redford's commitment to activism extended into his film projects, including his roles in politically charged films like All the President’s Men and The Candidate. His portrayal of social issues continued with the film The Milagro Beanfield War, which focuses on a local resident's struggle against a real estate mogul for control of his land. His final project, Dark Winds, an AMC series that premiered in 2022, was based on the works of Tony Hillerman, similar to The Dark Wind. John Wirth, the series showrunner, noted that “Dark Winds” would not exist without Redford’s contributions as an executive producer, and he emphasized the importance of showcasing the Navajo community through authentic storytelling.
Robert Redford's legacy as a talented actor and dedicated activist remains etched in the fabric of Hollywood and environmental advocacy. His impact will continue to inspire future generations, encouraging them to intertwine storytelling with activism for a better world.
