Canadian actor Adam Beach parlayed his success in a string of independent features and television series into major roles in Hollywood productions, including the lead role of tragic figure Ira Hayes in Clint Eastwood-helmed WWII drama, "Flags of Our Fathers" (2006). With the exposure provided by such a high profile project and director, Beach's versatility and appeal made him the most visible Native American actor working in film. This emergence allowed Beach to bring his own experiences and inspiration back to Native American youth living in reservations across the country. Beach continued working steadily on First Nations-themed films and TV series largely shot in his native Canada and American features ranging from "Cowboys and Aliens" (2011) to the supervillain ensemble blockbuster "Suicide Squad" (2016).