Indigenous Actor Wayne Charles Baker Builds Powerful Screen Presence Across Film and Television

Indigenous actor Wayne Charles Baker continues to build a powerful on-screen presence through impactful roles in the feature films Capitaine and Villeneuve, as well as the television series Bon Cop, Bad Cop and HBO’s Stephen King’s IT: Welcome to Derry. 

Wayne Charles Baker is an Indigenous Canadian actor from the Squamish Nation, celebrated for his powerful and authentic portrayals of First Nations stories on screen. Since the early 2000s, Wayne has built a distinguished career in film and television, bringing depth, strength, and cultural resonance to every role he takes on. 

He stars in the upcoming feature film Capitaine, which will be released in Canada on January 16, 2026. He just wrapped a supporting role as Bob in the feature Villeneuve. Baker appears as recurring guest Gary Martin, alongside Henry Czerny, on Bon Cop Bad Cop, a Crave Original bilingual series featuring dialogue in both English and French, which will premiere in 2026. Wayne also appears in HBO’s Stephen King’s IT: Welcome to Derry as Chief John.

In the feature film Capitaine, Baker stars as Capitaine, a former gunner in the Canadian Navy and now an offshore fisherman, who hopes his daughter Mia will take over his business. He wants to protect her from the drugs and corruption seeping into the reserve from the nearby white village. When Mia reveals she wants to move to the city, Capitaine represses his anger, slipping into apathy as the memories of his time at residential school resurface. When he learns that Mia (McKenzie Deer Robinson) has left the reserve and is in danger, he immediately leaves the open sea and heads toward Montreal, hoping to find her. Filmed in Quebec, Capitaine is directed by William Mazzoleni Valin. (The use of the words: reserve and white; refers to the time period of the film.) Produced by Julie O’Bomsawin (Nation W8banaki) of Kassiwi Media, CAPTAIN is distributed in Canada by Entract Films.

IT: Welcome to Derry is an HBO TV series based on Stephen King’s novel, starring Jovan Adepo, Bill Skarsgard, and Taylour Paige.  In 1962, a couple with their son moved to Derry, Maine, just as a young boy disappeared. With their arrival, terrible things begin to happen in the town. IT: Welcome to Derry is a solid horror series that really nails atmosphere and suspense, with Pennywise as terrifying as ever and the adult performances bringing real depth. Baker plays Chief John in three episodes.

Baker’s filmography spans acclaimed productions such as Indian Horse, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, The Canyonlands, and Autumn and the Black Jaguar. On television, his standout performances include roles in Blackstone (as Chief Joe), NCIS, Arctic Air, Murdoch Mysteries, Supernatural, Unité 9, and Da Vinci’s City Hall.

Beyond acting, Baker is the host of Closer to Home on APTN, where he continues his mission to share stories that bridge cultures and celebrate Indigenous identity. Wayne is bilingual; he also speaks Mohawk, Salish, and Squamish, is an expert in Lacrosse, and is a professional fisherman. Through his artistry and advocacy, Wayne Charles Baker remains a compelling voice in North American cinema—one that uplifts, educates, and inspires. Wayne Charles Baker resides in Akwesasne, Quebec/New York.  He is available for interviews and photos on request.  

MEDIA CONTACT
Press & Publicity Inquiries:
Publicist – LESLEY DIANA – The Promotion People | lesley@thepromotionpeople.ca 604-726-5575


Agent – LESA KIRK – I  INTEGRAL ARTISTS 
Mobile 323-513-8335 | Canada 519-874-1360 | lesakirk@openentertainment.us 

Headshot photo credit: Eyoalha Baker

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