Princess Red Wing: The Inspiring Life of Lilian St. Cyr
From her roots on the Winnebago Reservation in Nebraska to lighting up Hollywood’s silver screen, the story of Princess Red Wing is a riveting tale of a true Indigenous American pioneer. ⭐️
✅ Listen to Princess Red Wing: The Inspiring Life of Lilian St. Cyr on our podcast. We release new episodes of Travel with Jack and Kitty every day! Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. 🎙️❤️
Quick Summary
Discover the incredible life of Princess Red Wing, a Native American actress and trailblazer.
- From her birth on a reservation to Hollywood stardom 🌟
- Her power couple status and pioneering roles in film 🎬
- How she pivoted to advocacy and made a lasting impact ✊
Princess Red Wing: The Inspiring Life of Lilian St. Cyr
Have you ever heard of Princess Redwing? As musicians, my hubby Jack and I have performed the song ‘Red Wing’ so many times I’ve lost count.
It turns out, the ‘Red Wing princess’ mentioned in the lyrics was real! And, even more surprisingly, she was a Hollywood and fashion icon. 🎥
Let’s get right into her remarkable story! ✨
Early Life: From Nebraska to Washington, D.C.
Princess Red Wing, born Lilian Margaret St. Cyr, came into this world on Valentine’s Day in 1884. ❤️
She was born on the Winnebago Reservation in Nebraska to a Winnebago mother and a farmer father with French Canadian and Sauk heritage. 🌽
The family was super artsy, but tragedy struck early. Lilian was orphaned by 1888. She spent a decade in Indian boarding schools and graduated in 1902.
Soon after, she moved to Washington, D.C., where she met her future husband, James Young Deer.🏛️
Hollywood Here We Come!
After marrying in 1906, Lilian and James Young Deer quickly plunged into the world of entertainment. They started with Western acts in NYC and Philly. 🌟
By 1908, Lilian was already grabbing attention in films. 🎥 🎬
The couple became sought-after actors for Native American roles. Lilian really made waves as “Princess Red Wing,” especially after starring in a groundbreaking film by Cecil B. DeMille. Plus, she made her own costumes! 😍
Trailblazing and More
In her 15-year career, Lilian appeared in more than 70 films. 🤩
She wasn’t just a face on screen; she was also a writer, a costume designer, and even her own stunt woman! 🔥
More than an entertainer, she was a strong advocate for Native American culture, promoting it in art, lectures, and activism. 🙌
🌟 Wanna learn about another trailblazer? Read this blog post about Miss Minnesota’s First Indigenous Queen, Rachel Evangelisto!
The Famous “Red Wing” Tune
There’s a song named “Red Wing,” and it’s seen many covers, from John Wayne to Slim Whitman. It’s often associated with Princess Red Wing, although it’s not 100% confirmed she performed it. 🎵🎶
The song is a mix of classical and country vibes, and it has major staying power! 🎻
Advocacy Beyond Hollywood
After her Hollywood stint, Princess Red Wing continued to shine as an advocate and educator. 🗣️
She designed Native American costumes for big names like F.A.O. Schwartz. 🌟
She was also instrumental in founding the American Indian Community House in NYC and campaigned for a National Indian Day federal holiday. ✊
A Legacy That Lives On
Princess Red Wing passed away in 1974, but her legacy remains strong. She was a woman of fierce independence, enriching the world through her contributions to film, culture, and social causes. 🌹
Here’s to Princess Red Wing, a true American icon who shows us that our life paths can be as diverse and colorful as we dare to make them! 🥂✨
✅ Don’t miss out! Listen to today’s podcast episode, Princess Red Wing: The Inspiring Life of Lilian St. Cyr – where we go even deeper into this story. Remember, we release new episodes of Travel with Jack and Kitty every day! Subscribe on your favorite podcast app. 🎙️❤️
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