Eric Schweig

Known primarily for his role as Uncas in the 1992 big-screen adaptation "The Last of the Mohicans," First Nations actor Eric Schweig rose from humble beginnings to become a respected name in the entertainment industry. Born in Canada's Northwest Territories and of Inuvialuit lineage, Schweig was adopted into an abusive family as a baby and suffered under their treatment until, at age 16, he ran away to Toronto. At 18, he fell into theater and at 22, won a major role in the Canadian film "The Shaman's Source." From there he was cast in "The Last of the Mohicans" and thrust into the spotlight, quickly becoming the go-to actor for Native American roles. Throughout the 1990s, Schweig appeared in such films as "The Scarlet Letter" and "Tom and Huck," and such popular TV series as "Due South," all the while fighting a secret battle with drugs and alcohol which he would finally win in 2002. The 2000s saw Schweig grow into one of Canada's most highly regarded actors following his acclaimed work in dramas like 2000's "The Big Eden," and in 2011 he snared a starring role in "Blackstone," an award-winning drama set on a First Nations reserve. Using his fame to serve as a positive role model for troubled kids, the actor works with the organization Resource Assistance for Youth in Winnipeg.