In every industry, there’s a myth that success arrives quickly. People step into law school imagining the day their name is on the wall, but they forget the years of study, articling, junior files, and long nights that come first. Chefs dream of Michelin stars, but before that comes culinary school, red seals, countless experiments, brutal service hours, and the relentless pursuit of better.
Acting is no different. The screen industry may look glamorous from the outside, but sustainable careers are built the same way every other respected profession is built: through years of work, repetition, discipline, and the courage to keep going when the results aren’t immediate.
That is why Northstar Stonechild’s recent major Netflix booking feels so powerful (Can’t say more because of NDA’s) Not because it happened, because of how it happened.
Northstar Stonechild is a stunt performer and actor from Yellow Quill First Nation, now based in Balgonie, Saskatchewan. Over the past few years, he’s quietly built a strong, steady career working on major film and television productions, becoming one of the more recognizable stunt performers coming out of the Prairies.
Northstar’s selected previous screen credits include Little House on the Prairie (Netflix), Billy the Kid (MGM), Outlander (Starz/Netflix), Heartland (CBC), The Revenant starring Leonardo DiCaprio, and most recently a 8 week job in Ireland working on a Ben Kingsley War Epic titled Washington. Northstar is known for being precise, reliable, and incredibly adaptable on set. He brings a calm, grounded presence to high-pressure environments, which is exactly what stunt and action work demands.
Outside of film and TV, his experience runs deep in physically demanding performance spaces. He’s competed as a bullfighter and in the Indian Relay at the Calgary Stampede, both of which speak to his timing, toughness, and ability to stay composed when things are moving fast and unpredictably.
For years, Northstar has been building this moment through craft, consistency, and a deep willingness to say yes when opportunities present themselves. His journey is a reminder that success is rarely sudden. It is usually the visible result of invisible discipline. Northstar believes in speaking boldly, acting bravely, and trusting the long game.
The First Spark
Looking back, Northstar remembers early moments he knew Film/TV and Stunts were worth committing to
“When I was able to showcase my work to friends, family, and my indigenous community. The moments of hearing how proud they were of me, reminded me that there is something more down this road. A belief that kept me going through the hard times.”
Northstar didn’t pursue his goals with ego. It was a connection to community; a sense that the work mattered beyond the individual performer. That feeling often becomes the fuel that carries artists through the harder seasons.
Reps Build Confidence
As both an actor and stunt performer, Northstar’s consistent training shaped the way he approachs opportunities.
“I developed a foundation of confidence that impacted my performances tremendously. This propelled me forward and separated me from the rest when working in such a fast & high pressure industry.” says Northstar
This is the hidden truth behind big opportunities and big wins: we achieve those major career milestones when we are ready for the opportunity–when we have put in the rep’s. Northstar’s rep’s are the consistent days he is in class, in the gym, and on the lot. His confidence in craft, and subsequent bookings comes, from that work ethic and his appetite to saying yes to any/all chances to grow.
The room may only see the booking. They don’t always see the years of physical discipline, technical repetition, and mental preparation that make someone ready when the moment arrives.
Giving Back Along the Way
Northstar’s story is not only about personal growth. It is also about contribution. He works tirelessly to mentor and encourage other performers, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, and has become a meaningful presence in supporting emerging teen artists through work with Nations and community initiatives.
“I understand how important it is to feel seen and heard. Those moments of being recognised are a building block to curiosity and learning, but for some youth – they’ve never had that. Let alone in their own homes. So, I do my best to create a safe space and donate my time in hopes they can learn enough to seek more in their lives.”
When he is not on set, he is often found working one-on-one with up-and-coming stunt performers, helping them build reels, strengthen their skills, and better understand the realities of the stunt industry.
“I’ve never had someone to guide me or help me navigate the hardships in the film industry. It was only when I made it on a set, I was surrounded by other like-minded professionals, but until that moment, I was on my own. With what I’ve learned and the relationships I’ve built in the film industry, I want to showcase Saskatchewan and the talent we have – that’s been overlooked for so long.”
That instinct to lift others is part of what makes careers sustainable. Momentum grows when it is shared.
Community Carries the Quiet Seasons
He also understands the importance of community, especially during the quieter seasons between bookings.
“When things get quiet and I’m watching others get busy with work, I remind myself I’m in the same room as them and that they’re only a phone call away. In the past, I’ve had very close friends and new people get opportunities I felt I was able to deliver on. It was discouraging, but understanding this is part of the process reminded me to celebrate their wins (genuinely), and keep developing my own craft.”
Northstar knows his mindset and commitment to community separates sustainable artists from short-term dreamers. Community is not just emotional support. It is perspective. It reminds us that another artist’s win does not diminish our own future.
Growth Becomes Generosity
Looking back, he knows his recent growth is rooted in craft, and confidence, and he is excited to work with other SK based performers on achieving their goals.
“I began to think about how I can develop opportunities back home. I’ve been fortunate enough to build genuine relationships with professionals in the industry who are interested in coming to Saskatchewan to host film workshops. They’re mindset is “if I can make the person next to me better, that’ll push me to be better too”. A humbling reminder that all those years of effort and try didn’t go unnoticed”
This evolution is powerful. At a certain point, growth stops being only about personal advancement and starts becoming about building a thriving ecosystem. How do we create more opportunities? How do we strengthen the community we come from? That shift is where real leadership begins.
Trusting the Long Game
For emerging Prairie artists watching his journey, Northstar has some words of wisdom.
“There’s a lot I can say to aspiring and working professionals on the Prairies. The one thing I want to say is – BELIEVE IN YOURSELF. Whether you’re in a good head space or not, you’ll always ask yourself “why am I here?” You might not even be able to answer at that moment, but that feeling will keep you moving your feet. Everything you do is being watched. So, don’t let it be for nothing. Whether it’s tomorrow, next month, or years down the road – that belief will manifest opportunities.”
Northstar’s journey reminds Prairie artists that careers are not built in a single audition, a single booking, or a single lucky break. They are built through craft, consistency, and community.
We need to understand a career is not just possible, it is probable when you surround yourself with like-minded people, stay committed to the work, and trust that every rep is building toward something bigger. Northstar is proof that the long game works.
Northstar is a proud member of the Yellow Quill First Nation in SK. He is represented by Meagan McLeod at Pacific Artists Management in Vancouver BC and his acting coach is Style Dayne at Bar S Studios in Regina SK.