11/06/2026
To kick off our Native American Spotlight Series, we’re highlighting actress Paulina Alexis, also known as Wǎgíyaŋ Čížaŋ, or Young Eagle.
Raised on the Alexis Nakota Sioux First Nation reserve in Alberta, Canada, Paulina began acting at a young age before landing her breakout role as Willie Jack in Reservation Dogs.
Paulina speaks openly about mental health and the sources of strength and healing in her life, including the women in her community, comedy, and her connection with horses. As a horse relay rider, she describes spending time with horses as a form of therapy and hopes to start a youth relay team to give more children in her community the opportunity to ride, as horseback riding is not common on her reservation.
She also emphasizes the importance of prioritizing self-care, including caring for yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Through Reservation Dogs, Paulina has helped bring attention to difficult issues affecting Native communities, including youth su***de. Reflecting on the issue’s personal impact, she shared: “The su***de rate in our Native youth is really bad. Within the past year, I’ve lost three of my close bros to su***de, and I just want to make people feel like they matter, so that doesn’t happen.”
Thank you, Paulina, for using your platform to raise awareness of mental health in Native communities and highlight the importance of self-care, connection, and making young people feel valued. 💛