![]() That hasn't stopped some members of the Navajo community from complaining about what they perceive is a lack of authenticity in some of the show's elements, specifically its language. She believes "Dark Winds" is well positioned to build on that foundation and take it a step further. Unfortunately, some of that hasn't changed (since the 1970s, when the series takes place)."Įven though Hillerman's work has drawn criticism in recent years over charges of cultural appropriation, Allison said that she has tremendous respect for the late novelist and the positive way in which he portrayed Navajo people and culture in his work. "And they can tackle issues like women's empowerment and some of the ills that plague reservation life. "It's an adaption (of Hillerman's novels), not a retelling, so they have the chance to explore the characters more in depth," she said. Allison said she feels gratified by that move, noting that it helps affirm the direction in which the showrunners have taken the program. Though "Dark Winds" only now is wrapping up its debut season, the program already has built a big enough following to get green-lighted for a second season. "She's very passionate about her family, she's culturally grounded and she gives everything she can to her community," Allison said. But she identified a series of basic traits Emma regularly displays that all those women have in common. Her Emma character borrows aspects of her personality from each of those women, Allison said, depending on the situation she is facing. She said she has based her portrayal on the women in her family she grew up around, including her mother, her grandmothers, her aunties and her sisters. ![]() ![]() More: Bloomfield resident competes on reality TV program 'Ultimate Cowboy Showdown'Īllison, who portrays Emma Leaphorn, the wife of Navajo police officer Joe Leaphorn in "Dark Winds," didn't have to look far when it came time to find inspiration for her role. It's how you give your positive energy back into the community. "It does wonders for bringing out that strength and that love and that (sense of) community," she said. But the most rewarding part of the experience, she said, is getting to portray an intelligent, determined, self-confident woman who is part of a larger collective of characters that conveys the best of her Diné culture. She said she enjoys being able to support her family and the increased opportunities that are likely to come her way from being a part of a successful TV program. Watch Video: ShowBiz Minute: Caan, Baron Cohen, StarrįARMINGTON − After achieving only limited success despite having spent years working as an actor, 1999 Farmington High School graduate Deanna Allison says she is grateful to be a part of the AMC drama series "Dark Winds," which is an adaptation of a popular series of novels by New Mexico author Tony Hillerman.
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