The Greatest Indigenous Hero Moments in Marvel History

Over the years, Marvel has paid more attention to Indigenous heroes. From the X-Men’s Thunderbird in the comics to Namor in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, we can finally appreciate thoughtful depictions of the characters we love. Most recently, What If…? season 2 highlights an entirely new Marvel hero, Kahhori — more on her further down.

Now, let’s discover the greatest moments from the most prominent Marvel super heroes who are Native, First Nations, and/or Indigenous.

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Echo

“I’ve realized no matter what I do, I can’t bring my father back. Finding whoever killed him, that won’t change anything.”

To begin, let’s talk about Maya Lopez. Or, as she’s commonly called in the comics, Echo. She’s called Echo because she can imitate anyone’s fighting styles almost immediately. Her photographic reflexes coupled with her unbelievable skill make her quite powerful. Now, we know that she’s going to get a show later this year. Already that’s extremely exciting. However, we can also recognize her influence on the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Of course, she made her debut appearance in Hawkeye. In the show, she was initially chasing after Hawkeye’s alter ego Ronin. However, when she learned that Wilson Fisk was responsible for her father’s death, she sought immediate revenge. Seeing her prevail against such a sinister villain was wonderful and will no doubt have a long-lasting impact. Her adventures will continue in her solo TV series, Echo.

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Namor

“I have many names. My people call me Ajaw K’uk’ulkan. But my enemies call me Namor.”

Next up, let’s journey to the underwater city of Talokanil. The actor, Tenoch Huerta Mejía, specifically learned how to speak Yucatec Maya for the role. Just like Xhosa is extremely important to represent an authentic African and Wakandan experience, Yucatec Maya was essential to tell Namor’s story. This character became a hero for his people. In fact, they even called him K’uk’ulkan, the feathered serpent god.

The heartbreaking circumstances that made him powerful are also what allowed him to fight for good. Truly, his love for his people, and his willingness to sacrifice everything for their good, is admirable. It’s hard to pick one greatest moment. But for now, we can’t help but appreciate how much pride and joy he had when he shared Talokanil with Shuri.

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Thunderbird

“A lot’s changed. These days, the question’s not what coulda been… but what will be.”

John Proudstar was the first mutant who ever died for Charles Xavier. Now, finally revived on Krakoa, Thunderbird returns home to Camp Gozhoo. And honestly, he’s struggling with his identity. Somehow, he feels he has to decide between being Apache and being a mutant with the X-Men. He’s hoping his grandma can answer some questions for him. Devastatingly, his family and his people have been taken by the government for experiments. The government is searching for mutant genes in their DNA, not unlike how many have been forced to prove how Native they are through DNA tests.

Eventually, he saves them in a faceoff against the racist police force. His grandmother also helps him realize that he is both Apache and mutant. And, really, that realization is exemplified perfectly in his new outfit, designed by Qalipu Mi’kmaq artist David Cutler.

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Warpath

“Here they come.”

At the very end of Giant-Size X-Men: Thunderbird #1, James Proudstar joins his brother John. Still, that was John’s story. Perhaps one of Warpath’s most heroic moments was actually featured in a film. In 2014, 20th Century Fox released X-Men: Days of Future Past. Truthfully, while he and his brother have very similar powers, younger brother James is more powerful.

Warpath has superhuman senses that extend beyond the physical. He was able to sense practically silent aircrafts from 10 miles away. He helped save humanity in what could have been its last moments. Seeing him fight until the end showed true bravery.

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Dani Moonstar

“If my life has taught me anything, it’s that what we do is vitally important. That’s why we’re here now.”

Next up, we have Danielle Moonstar, a mutant from the Cheyenne Nation. As a mutant, she has an extremely unique ability to connect with the minds of others. In fact, she’s even able to connect with the minds of animals. In doing so, she is able to create an astral projection of the very thing that they love or fear most. She connects with people on an extremely emotional level. This makes her an excellent teammate, able to support Magik, Karma, Warpath, and all the other members of the New Mutants.

That said, her ability to truly connect with people’s emotions is perhaps best exemplified in her relationship with Rahne Sinclair, AKA Wolfsbane. Dani is always ready and willing to listen to Rahne. And, with all the madness going on in the comics lately, it’s no wonder that Rahne needs support. Seriously, her child was missing and is now somehow alive! Luckily, Dani is there. She says, “You’re my soul mate. That means, no matter what, I should listen.” At last, these soul mates reconnect in a moment of absolute beauty.

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Kushala

“I called out to The Creator for help. But something else answered.”

We also have Kushala. In truth, she might be one of the most unstoppable heroes on this entire list. After all, she was the Sorcerer Supreme. She is also empowered by the Spirit of Vengeance as the Demon Rider, a unique version of Ghost Rider. And sure, with access to all of this magic, she is strong. But ultimately, it is who she is as an Apache woman that makes her powerful.

When Kushala and her family were attacked by the United States Army, nearly all was lost. In her rage, she reached out for strength. Kushala prayed to The Creator. And yet, the entity that responded was the Spirit of Vengeance. Still, it was her dedication to her family that kept her focused. She used her fiery rage to defeat her enemies in hellfire like never before. Truly, Kushala brought a cleansing light when there was only darkness.

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Kahhori

“You’ve forgotten your origins. But I can’t. Not when our people are hurting.”

Finally, there’s Kahhori. This Mohawk woman made her Marvel debut in season 2 of What If…? in the episode “What if… Kahhori Reshaped the World?” As the title suggests, Kahhori is able to influence her universe when she gains power from the Space Stone. She comes into contact with the blue Infinity Stone when she must flee from Spanish colonizers.

With her newfound power, she returns to her village to avenge them and drive the colonizers out. But Kahhori doesn’t stop there. She is able to wield the Power Stone more skillfully than the other Mohawk people from Sky World. Her name means “she stirs the forest” in Kanien’kehá:ka and Kahhori certainly stirs the forest around her. After she saves her people, she travels to Spain to confront the source of colonialism: Queen Isabella I. Though the monarch attempts to subdue the Mohawks, she stands no chance against Kahhori. It’s never felt quite so satisfying to see a chair broken.

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This list is only a start. Hopefully, more Native characters will soon emerge in Marvel media. Or, perhaps, like in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, characters will be adapted thoughtfully and uniquely.

So, who is your favorite character from this list? And what other moments featuring Indigenous heroes should we read about next? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Join the conversation with other Marvel fans over at Sideshow Social Network or in side.show/geekgroup, and don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!