By Eli Funaro
Photo Credit: https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Quinlan_Vos
Star Wars has had a major impact on pop culture for almost 50 years. The memorable characters, theme music, dialogue, the special effects, it’s a huge phenomenon that not only reshaped Hollywood, but it’s cemented into history. The fandom has remained strong over the decades, and while they may not always agree, they keep growing with every new generation. There’s no denying Star Wars’ influence on almost every aspect of our collective conscience. Love it or hate it, everyone knows Baby Yoda, and has heard the phrase “May the Force Be With You.”
The Star Wars Universe is made up of many different planets, alien species and social classes that reflect our world. Virtually every demographic is presented, and perhaps that’s the overall appeal. Native American Nerds have also shown love for Star Wars and yearn to see themselves included in a galaxy far, far, away.
Unfortunately, the closest thing to representation of Indigenous People in Star Wars is maybe Ewoks. The tribe of little fur balls who live on the forest moon of Endor. Eventually, Maori actor Temuera Morrison portrayed Jango and Boba Fett, and his likeness was the prototype for the Clone Troopers. This gave a little bit of Indigenous flavor to the Star Wars mythos. Now, Native Star Wars fans have claimed Jedi Master Quinlan Vos, who serves as a beacon of hope, proving Indigenous Geeks can wield lightsabers too.
Photo Credit:https://www.quora.com/Is-Quinlan-Vos-a-decent-fighter-in-Star-Wars-Canon
Quinlan Vos is a fierce warrior and fan favorite that has a rich backstory in the Extended Star Wars Universe. He first appeared as a background character in The Phantom Menace by an uncredited actor. Being the movie was filmed in Tunisia, it’s unlikely that the actor was Native American, but perhaps African or Middle Eastern. Still, after turning this obscure extra into a Jedi for the comics, he took on more Indigenous attributes. Eventually, he was voiced by Puerto Riccan actor: Al Rodrigo in the Clone Wars animated series.
Quinlan Vos was based on a background character in The Phantom Menace
Photo Credit https://screenrant.com/star-wars-fans-unknown-facts-quinlan-vos/
Born on the planet Kiffu, Quinlan Vos came from a warrior tribe who were skeptical of the Galactic Republic’s rule. This led to his rebellious personality where he often clashed with the Jedi’s strict code. Vos also wore tribal tattoos on his face, similar to war paint that marked his clan. His long dark hair and tan skin were clear indications that Vos was definitely not of Anglo descent.
Photo Credit: https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Quinlan_Vos
Quinlan Vos possessed the power of psychometry, the ability to sense the memories from objects by touching them. This made him an excellent tracker, another hint of Quinlan’s native-ness. Indigenous characters having the uncanny ability of tracking is a stereotypical trait that goes back to old movie westerns. Though problematic, there is a certain gray area in Sci Fi and Fantasy where Native Nerds will just let some things slide. Besides, without these tracker abilities, Quinlan Vos would’ve never learned The Force. It was these heightened senses that drew the attention of the Jedi Order who would train Vos as a padawan.
Quinlan Vos eventually becomes a Master, training Aayla Secura, the sexy blue Twi-lek Jedi woman, another fan favorite. Together, they go on various adventures in the comics. Due to his rebellious nature, Vos was sent on dangerous missions, often going undercover and dealing with the criminal underworld. Fighting space smugglers, pirates, alien vampires and other galactic thugs, Vos became one of the Jedi Order’s most battle-hardened Force Users. However, this violent lifestyle brought Quinlan Vos close to the Dark Side which would scar him as he would struggle with this trauma throughout his life.
Quinlan Vos appeared in The Clone Wars animated series, teaming up with Obi Wan Kenobi. Recruited on a mission to find Ziro The Hutt, a shady gangster who double crossed the Hutt Crime Family. Vos uses his tracking abilities to locate the runaway fugitive, leading to a showdown with the ruthless bounty hunter Cad Bane.
Photo Credit: https://www.starwars.com/databank/quinlan-vos
Vos was supposed to appear on more episodes of The Clone Wars, however the series was canceled by Cartoon Network and it would be several years before being renewed by Disney. The unfinished Quinlan Vos story arc was then turned into the novel Dark Disciple.
In this story, the Jedi Council sends Vos on an undercover mission to assassinate Count Dooku. Quinlan Vos ends up falling in love with Dooku’s former Sith apprentice Asajj Ventress. Eventually succumbing to the Dark Side, Vos is saved by Obi Wan who teams up with Ventress to bring him back to the Light. Sadly, Asajj Ventress sacrifices herself to save Quinlan’s life. Vos redeems himself by showing mercy on Count Dooku, which leads to his acceptance back into the Jedi Order.
Photo Credit: https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Quinlan_Vos
In the comics, Quinlan Vos survived Order 66 and went into hiding. He seeks refuge on a remote planet where he settles with a wife and child. After spending his whole life fighting and being tempted by the Dark Side, he swears to live in peace, raising his child on the Light Side of the Force.
On the Obi Wan Kenobi TV Series, it is confirmed that Quinlan Vos lived for many years after The Clone Wars. In one scene, Kenobi is in a secret location where the Rebellion have been hiding Force-sensitive children. He finds a familiar name scribbled on a wall that reads: “Quinlan Was Here.” Obi Wan is clearly happy to see that one of his old friends is still alive. This detail opens up the possibility of Quinlan Vos making a live action appearance in future Star Wars projects.
Quinlan Vos’ adventures is a prime example of how Star Wars can expand the mythology. He is a cunning fearless fighter, who’s free thinking rebellious skepticism points out the flaws of the Jedi. Once being a symbol of peace and order, the Jedi became a warring bureaucratic government faction with political agendas that were exploited, leading to its downfall.
Photo Credit: https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Quinlan_Vos
The tales of Quinlan Vos in the Star Wars Universe also touches on socio-political issues in the Native American community. It’s no stretch that a Native Jedi would have little faith in a religious organization with government influence. This is why Quinlan’s tribal home world did not trust the Jedi, as they were a part of the same system that had colonized the galaxy. Quinlan Vos constantly struggles with the duality of being forced to live in two worlds. Trying to balance old traditional cultural ways with modern society is something most Native Americans must deal with. It’s easy to read into these ideas with Vos’ character.
While Quinlan Vos’ Indigenous origins are all just speculation and not officially confirmed, a quick Google Search for “Native America Jedi”, Quinlan Vos is the first thing that pops up. It’s proof that Native Nerds just want to feel included and see themselves in pop culture. Star Wars Fans relate to these stories and experiences of this space fantasy. Most audience demographics are represented in the Star Wars mythology, and Indigenous People just want to be included as well. Sure, it’s cool to see Princess Leia’s hair doo, Native Clone Troopers, Ewoks shooting bows and arrows and other Indigenous influences in Star Wars, but it’s also cool to see a Native Jedi taking down the bad guys with a lightsaber.
