Still living her Disney legacy

Actress Irene Bedard has appeared in 42 movies, as well as on television and in concert, but one role continues to follow her: Pocahontas, for which she was the speaking voice and likeness for Disney officials when they created the animated film in 1995.

Despite the fact that it was nearly 14 years ago when the movie began filming, Bedard said she never tires of promoting the movie and its heroine.

"I knew when I signed on that because it was a Disney film, it would be a legacy," said Bedard, 39.

On Saturday, she and her husband, Deni Wilson, visited with fans at the American Indian Center Trickster Gallery in Schaumburg. Bedard signed autographs in between showings of her movies, "Pocahontas" and "Naturally Native."

Later, the couple performed their music, which they describe as "contemporary music with traditional Native, Gaelic and American roots."

Sitting at a table filled with images from her films and DVDs, Bedard talked about leaving her native Alaska, where she grew up the daughter of an Inupiat Esikmo mother, whose father was of Cree descent. She left to study at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, earning a degree in fine arts.

"It was a real culture shock," Bedard said.

Her first big role came in 1994, when she played the role of Mary Crow Dog in a movie made for TNT, "Lakota Woman: Siege at Wounded Knee," before Disney cast her as the voice of Pocahontas.

"I tried to give her as much strength, dignity and wisdom as I possibly could," Bedard says.

Her appearance drew fans of all ages, including three teens from Chicago Ridge, who were struck by her similarity to Pocahontas, after watching the film.

"She has a lot of the same traits," said Dana Seguar, 14, of Chicago Ridge. "She's quiet, and has the same appearance, but yet she understands."

Leonard Malatare, acting director of the Trickster Gallery, said Bedard is a positive role model for young Native Americans.