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@not_for_sale wrote:

The majority of cowboy and Indian westerns during the period you highlight depicted the Indian as a savage redskin who murdered men, women and children to try and prevent white settlement. I doubt any proud Native American actor would have considered a role in such a movie. They deserve more credit and respect.

 

Below is a link to a list of 50 Native American actors thought to be excellent at their craft. While Hollywood now frowns on John Wayne-type westerns, I think the vast majority of the 50 wouldn't have a bar of them if they were resurrected and offered a role.

 

https://www.mrdustbin.com/us/native-american-actors/ 

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Actually some of them were benign roles and there were some positve roles during the 60s and 70s. Sadly they were given to non-Native Americans.

There was Ed Ames from 60s series Daniel Boone, as Mingo. Ames (real name Edmond Dantes Urick) was of Ukranian Jewish background. Dean Stockwell who is of Italian ancestry played Stein, a young biker who was half-Indian in 1972 film, The Loners.  Tom Laughlin played half-Indian Billy Jack in a few movies, Born Losers, Billy Jack, Trial of Billy Jack etc.. Many more! They weren't demeaning.

Remember too in the past, Afircan Americans (Negros in those days) played street sweepers, shuffling conductors, slaves, servants etc. The list goes on.