Alyssa Wapanatahk is a Canadian actress, director, and writer who is making waves in the film industry with her authentic and powerful portrayal of Indigenous characters. She is best known for playing Tiger Lily in the upcoming Disney live-action adaptation of “Peter Pan and Wendy”, which is set to be released on Disney+ in 2022. In this article, we will explore the biography, career, and achievements of Alyssa Wapanatahk, as well as some interesting facts and frequently asked questions about her.
Early Life & Education
Alyssa Wapanatahk (Age: 25 years old; as of 2023) was born on January 15, 1998, in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada. She is of Cree and Métis descent and is a proud member of the Bigstone Cree First Nation. Her reserve is Wabasca, southwest of Fort McMurray. She has a younger sister named Darianne Wapanatahk.
Alyssa grew up in Conklin, Alberta, where she developed an interest in acting and storytelling from a young age. She participated in school plays and local theater productions, as well as writing her own stories and poems. She completed her high school education at a reputed college, but the details of her academic qualifications are not publicly available.
Height, Weight & Physical Appearance
According to the web search results, Alyssa Wapanatahk is a Canadian actress, director, and writer who has a height of 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) and a weight of 52 kg (114 lbs). She has a slender and athletic build and her features reflect her Indigenous heritage. She has brown eyes and dark brown hair. Her body measurements are 34-26-35 inches (86-66-89 cm) and her shoe size is 5.5 (US).
Career and Achievements
Alyssa Wapanatahk began her acting career in 2018 when she starred in the short film “Pure Love” as a young woman who falls in love with a robot. She then went on to appear in several other short films, such as “Robo Games”, “Pookmis”, and “Swansong”. She also made her debut as a director and writer with the short film “Napes Kasêkipatwât – The Boy & The Braid” in 2019. The film tells the story of a Cree First Nation boy’s journey with his culture and identity through his long hair. The film was well-received by critics and audiences alike and won several awards at various film festivals.
In 2022, Alyssa made her breakthrough with her first feature film role as Perseverance Spears in “Bones of Crows”. The film is a thriller that follows a group of Indigenous women who are hunted by a serial killer in the Canadian wilderness. Alyssa’s performance was praised for its intensity and realism, and she was nominated for a Leo Award for best-supporting performance by a female in a motion picture for her role. She also appeared in another feature film called “Rehab” as Chloe Cardinal, a young woman who struggles with addiction and trauma.
However, the most anticipated role of Wapanatahk’s career is yet to come. She has been cast as Tiger Lily in the Disney live-action adaptation of “Peter Pan and Wendy”, which is based on J.M. Barrie’s classic story of a boy who never grows up and his adventures in Neverland. Tiger Lily is the daughter of a Native American chief and an ally of Peter Pan and the Lost Boys.
Alyssa was chosen for the role after a lengthy search that included auditions from Indigenous actors from around the world. She will be joining a star-studded cast that includes Jude Law as Captain Hook, Yara Shahidi as Tinker Bell, Alexander Molony as Peter Pan, and Ever Anderson as Wendy.
The casting of Alyssa Wapanatahk as Tiger Lily is significant because it marks a break from past interpretations of the story, in which Native American characters were often portrayed in stereotyped or disrespectful ways. By casting an Indigenous actress for the role, the film aims to create a more authentic and respectful representation of Native American culture and people. The film also hopes to inspire young Indigenous girls to pursue their dreams and aspirations.
Social Media Links
IMDb: nm9447283
Facebook: bookalyalook
Instagram: wapanatahk
Twitter: wapanatahk
Homepage: Dreshare.com
Ethnicity & Tribe
Alyssa Wapanatahk is a Canadian actress of Indigenous descent. She is of Cree and Métis heritage and is a proud member of the Bigstone Cree First Nation. Her reserve is Wabasca, southwest of Fort McMurray.
She often incorporates elements of her Indigenous culture and identity into her roles and looks, such as braids, beads, feathers, and traditional clothing. She also uses her platform to raise awareness about Indigenous issues and causes, such as missing and murdered Indigenous women, residential schools, land rights, and environmental protection.
Parents & Siblings
According to the web search results, Alyssa Wapanatahk is a Canadian actress of Indigenous descent. She was born in Fort McMurray, Alberta, and is a member of the Bigstone Cree First Nation. Her parents’ names are not publicly known, but they are also from the same community. She has a younger sister named Darianne Wapanatahk, who grew up with her in Conklin, Alberta. Alyssa is very close to her family and often shares pictures of them on her social media accounts.
Modeling Career
Alyssa Wapanatahk is not only a talented actress, but also a successful model. She has done several photoshoots and has been featured in various magazines and publications. She has also worked as a brand ambassador for several companies, including Indigenous-owned businesses.
According to dreshare.com, Alyssa started her modeling career in 2018 when she launched her own business called “Book A Lya Look”. The business offers makeup, hair, and photography services for clients who want to book a look with Alyssa. She also created a Facebook page and an Instagram account to showcase her work and promote her business.
Alyssa Wapanatahk has also modeled for various fashion brands and designers, such as Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto, Manitobah Mukluks, and Lesley Hampton. She has also appeared in several campaigns and advertisements, such as the “We Matter” campaign, which is a national Indigenous-led organization that supports Indigenous youth who are going through hard times. She has also participated in various fashion shows and events, such as the “Indigenous Brilliance” event, which celebrates the achievements and contributions of Indigenous women in various fields.
Alyssa Wapanatahk’s modeling career is not only a source of income but also a way of expressing her identity and culture. She often incorporates elements of her Indigenous heritage into her looks, such as braids, beads, feathers, and traditional clothing.
She also uses her platform to raise awareness about Indigenous issues and causes, such as missing and murdered Indigenous women, residential schools, land rights, and environmental protection. She is a role model for young Indigenous girls and women who want to pursue a career in the fashion industry.
Husband & Kids
As per dreshare.com, Alyssa Wapanatahk is married to Kieran Arcand, whom she met when she was in 10th grade. They have been together for over a decade and have a daughter named Wâpakwaniy, which means “flower” in Cree. Alyssa is very close to her family and often shares pictures of them on her social media accounts.
Trivia/Facts
- Her name means “star” in Cree.
- She loves animals and has two dogs named Koda and Luna.
- Alyssa is fluent in English and Cree.
- She enjoys reading books, especially fantasy novels.
- She is passionate about music and plays the guitar and piano.
- Alyssa is a fan of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings.
- She is inspired by Indigenous actors such as Tantoo Cardinal, Adam Beach, and Grace Dove.
- She is a supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement and the LGBTQ+ community.
- Wapanatahk is a vegetarian and advocates for animal rights.
- She is a fan of Disney movies and was thrilled to be cast in “Peter Pan and Wendy”.
- She is a role model for young Indigenous girls and women who want to pursue a career in the film industry.
- Wapanatahk is humble and grateful for her success and opportunities.
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