Born on April 7th in Pendleton, Oregon, Miles was raised outside the Seattle area as a member of the Umatilla tribe.. She has received multiple awards from the First Americans in the Arts and was named Native American Woman of the Year in 1993, and America's Celebrity Indian of the Year in 1995. With no previous acting experience, Miles was discovered by Northern Exposure's casting agents when she accompanied her mother, Armenia Miles, and other local Native Americans to an audition for the part of Marilyn. Since Northern Exposure, Miles has appeared in several films, including Mad Love (1994,) Smoke Signals (1997), and Skins (2002), with fellow NoEx cast member, Graham Green. She has also appeared on CBC's half-hour series The Rez as Etta the medicine woman. She also received the Eagle Spirit Award from AIFI in 2001.
In 2002, she also appeared in "The Business of Fancydancing," which debuted at the Sundance Film Festival. The film is the directorial debut of "Smoke Signals" writer Sherman Alexie. The film, based on Sherman Alexie's collection of poetry and short stories, "The Business of Fancydancing,'' depicts the return of a successful Indian poet to Spokane for the funeral of a childhood friend and examines issues about the social identity of Native Americans and the concept of Indian "authenticity." She joins fellow NoEx cast member, Cynthia Geary, in both Sherman Alexie films.
Influences
Multiple Award winner - First Americans in the Arts
1993 - Native American Woman of the Year
1995 - America's Celebrity Indian of the Year
2001 .. American Indian Film Festival ..Eagle Spirit Award..
TV Shows
Films
Tortilla Heaven (2007)
The Business of Fancydancing (2002)
Skins (2002)
Smoke Signals (1998)
Scattering Dad (1998) (TV)
Pandora’s Clock (1996) (TV) .... Housekeeper
"The Rez" (1996) TV Series
"Northern Exposure" .... Marilyn Whirlwind
- Tranquility Base (Our Town) (1995) TV Episode .... Marilyn Whirlwind
- Old Tree (1993) TV Episode .... Marilyn Whirlwind
- Nothing’s Perfect (1992) TV Episode .... Marilyn Whirlwind
- Our Tribe (1992) TV Episode .... Marilyn Whirlwind
- Get Real (1991) TV Episode .... Marilyn Whirlwind
(15 more)
Mad Love (1995)
"Bill Nye, the Science Guy"
- Chemical Reactions (1994) TV Episode
- Static Electricity (1994) TV Episode
Well you know I like hockey & football! Grew up on the Pow wow trail when I was younger. Also on the Rodeo circuit. So when I can I love to go to pow wows & rodeos. I do beadwork & cornhusk weaving to calm my nerves. Also like to sew. Since my son is growing so fast can't keep up with the grass dance outfits. Like to go dancing now & then, when I have time! Night life is few & far between! Also like to ride horses when I get the chance.
Music
I like all kinds of music. Top 3 are R&B, Reggae, Blues. Grew up listening to Al Green, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye. Brought my son up in the same way. So I listen to pretty much any thing. Even country! If it's Blake Shelton or George Strait. Once in a while some elevator music. When I'm stressed! Can't forget B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Etta James, Bob Marley & SHAGGY! My friend turned me on to Los Lonely Boys, Shakira, Frankie J & KMW. So, I do like all kinds of music. What a big forget, LOVE my POW WOW tunes. Specially when I'm missin my pow wow buddies!!!!!
Movies
My favorite movie is the Wizard of Oz. Other ones are Once Were Warriors, Skins, Thunder Heart, It's a Wonderful Life, Whale Rider, can't forget Bringing Down the House. Diary of a Mad Black Woman, I like her gram Madea!!
Television
CSI, CSI Miami when I have time to watch T.V. Hockey also when it's San Jose!
Heroes
Billy Mills, My Mom & Dad (I know they both watch over me always), Most of all my Gram (she is always in my heart) My Son who is growing into such a Tahts Hah-Mah (good man)
About me: Elaine Miles Various Clips click on button to the right of play arrow and enjoy!
Tortilla Heaven starring George Lopez, Irene Bedard, Elaine Miles (@ MIN) March 2007 release
Tortilla Heaven Trailer--NEW!
Who I'd like to meet: Jonathan Cheechoo w/San Jose Sharks number 14 Luv hockey! He gives our youth hope to succeed in any thing they dream for. Also would like to meet Terence Howard. Just love those eyes!! Can't forget Mo'nique she is one crazy woman. But she is very sure of herself.
Would also like to meet Jordan Tootoo. He play's for the Nashville Predators. Another Native man that made it to the big league of hockey. They always pick on him but he holds his own. Makes us PROUD!
I would love to meet Tyler Perry. I like that Madea!!
haha...YOUR SO RIGHT BOUT THAT ennit??? haha... I live on da REZ and therez always SNAG opps...Ayeee...Aint nuthin wrong with being naughty....cause, I aint no ANGEL either...:O)
WELL GIRL U HAVE A GUD WEEKN.......WHAT ARE U PLANS.........MINE JUST GNNA BE AT HOME..........HAVE A MID-TERM NEXT WEEK.........SO GNNA BE IN THE BOOKS THIS WEEKN........BLESSINGS B
Just now got my ticket for seattle. wont be there for that long but it well be there. Get there late thursday night. then leave early sunday morning. can be missing to much school.
Buddddeeeeeee, whats up in the seatown?? Just workin over this way. Keep in touch with a sista k. You have a goody!!! LOL n hey quit makin them men wish bout the sext-text.. LMAO
I will check my social calendar and as for the date....hmm, find one when I get there? What a concept, lol. I will text you let you know if I can get there, love you!! B
HOW WAS UR WEEKN......MINE JUST WORKED ON A OUTFIT..............THERE IS A DANCN SESSION IN MY HOME TOWN..............WELL ENJOY UR WEEK.....BLESSING ....B
hey purty lady! im just stopping by to say that i hope you have a great week. native roots won! yay! im happy for them. have a great evening my friend.
