"A Big Honor"

Remember Harry Smith, also known as Jay Silverheels, the indispensable Tonto of the popular television series The Lone Ranger, who helped to bring justice to the Wild West?

Millions across North America tuned in faithfully in the 1950s to follow the exploits of this Mohawk from the Six Nations Reserve.

His face was familiar to movie audiences too. He made his mark in such notable westerns as Broken Arrow, The Battle of Apache Pass, and Brave Warrior, playing opposite Tyrone Power, Elizabeth Taylor, Errol Flyn, Gene Autry and other stars.

The people of the Six Nations were proud, and justifiably so, that such a big name in Hollywood had come from their midst.

Now there is another occassion for jubilation: talented Six Nations actor Graham Greene has been nominated for an Academy Award, in the best-supporting actor category, for his portrayal of a Sioux holy man in the blockbuster movie Dances with Wolves.

This is a singular honor, for Mr. Greene and the entire native community. According to his mother, Lillian, he already is a hero. "Everyone wants to do something - make up sweaters and caps and places... I feel so proud."

If he wins the ultimate prize, an Oscar, the 38-year-old actor and former student of Brantford Collegiate Institute says "it will be for my brothers and sisters on the Six Nations Reserve, and for my wonderful mother."

He can count on a huge cheering section, back home, when the time arrives for the opening of the envelope and the utterance of the familiar "And the winner is..."

We join in wishing him good luck.