A luminous star rising from the heart of the Bigstone Cree First Nation, Alyssa Wapanatâhk is more than just an actress—she is a storyteller reclaiming her narrative.
From the quiet landscapes of Northern Alberta to the grand sets of Disney and Netflix, she blends fierce talent with deep cultural advocacy.
Whether she portrays the iconic Tiger Lily or directs her own films, Alyssa’s journey is a powerful testament to heritage and resilience.
Who is Alyssa Wapanatâhk?
Alyssa Wapanatâhk is a Canadian Indigenous actress, writer, and filmmaker from the Bigstone Cree First Nation in Alberta.
She is best known worldwide for playing Tiger Lily in Disney’s live-action film Peter Pan & Wendy (2023), where she served as a cultural consultant to ensure an authentic portrayal of the character.
Along with acting, she creates her own films, including the award-winning short The Boy & The Braid, and more.
Wapanatâhk earned multiple award nominations, including a Leo Award for Bones of Crows, as well as recognition from UBCP/ACTRA and the Red Nation Film Festival.
Where is Alyssa Wapanatâhk From?
Alyssa Wapanatâhk was born on January 15, 1998, in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada, and holds Canadian nationality.
She chose to use her Cree birth name, Wapanatâhk, to honor her culture and identity.
She spent most of her childhood in the small community of Conklin, Alberta, and her zodiac sign is Capricorn.
Growing up, Alyssa was naturally shy and did not have an early interest in acting or performing. In fact, she once said she disliked the idea of acting as a child.
Her interest developed later when she was encouraged to audition for a documentary re-enactment at the age of 16. That experience sparked her passion for storytelling and led her toward an acting career.
Alyssa Wapanatâhk Ethnicity
Alyssa Wapanatâhk is Indigenous Canadian and belongs to the Nehiyaw (Cree) community. She is a proud member of the Bigstone Cree First Nation in Northern Alberta.
Her culture and identity play a very important role in her life and career. Many of her acting choices and film projects are deeply connected to her Indigenous roots.
Alyssa Wapanatâhk Parents
Alyssa keeps most details about her parents and siblings private.
However, she has shared that her parents speak the Cree language fluently and helped her with language and cultural guidance while she worked on Peter Pan & Wendy.
She also often mentions her grandmother, Margaret, who helped her stay connected to her heritage. Her family name was originally Alook before she chose Wapanatâhk.
Her Education Details
Alyssa completed her early education in Fort McMurray and Edmonton. She found her interest in acting when she was a teenager.
To take her passion seriously, she moved to Vancouver and joined New Image College of Fine Arts. There, she completed the Film Acting Conservatory program and earned a diploma in Acting for TV and Film.
This education helped her start her professional acting career.
Alyssa Wapanatâhk Age
As of 2026, Alyssa Wapanatâhk is 28 years old, having been born on 15 January 1998. At a young age, she has already achieved major success in the film industry.
Her role as Tiger Lily brought her international fame. She has also worked as a filmmaker and received grants for her creative projects.
In 2025, her career continued to grow with her role in Netflix’s Little House on the Prairie and the film Cottonmouth.
Alyssa Wapanatâhk Height and Weight
Alyssa Wapanatâhk is around 5 feet 2 inches tall (157 cm). She has brown eyes and naturally dark hair, often styled in ways that reflect her culture.
Her exact weight is not publicly shared, but she is known for her graceful and confident screen presence, especially in physically expressive roles like Tiger Lily.
Alyssa Wapanatâhk Career
Alyssa Wapanatâhk’s career journey is inspiring and full of determination. She did not plan to become an actress early in life and first worked as a healthcare aide, caring for patients with dementia.
Later, she joined an acting and modeling class in Edmonton, which helped her discover her true passion. To improve her skills, she moved to Vancouver and studied at New Image College of Fine Arts, completing the Film Acting Conservatory program.
After graduating, Alyssa faced a difficult phase where she struggled to find acting roles while adjusting to life as a new mother.
Despite these challenges, she stayed focused and believed in herself. Her hard work paid off when she was selected to play Tiger Lily in Disney’s Peter Pan & Wendy, marking her international breakthrough.
Alongside acting, she also writes and directs films, including The Boy & The Braid, highlighting Indigenous stories.
Movies and TV Shows
Alyssa Wapanatâhk has worked in both films and television, from small projects to major productions.
Movies
- Cottonmouth (2025)
- Peter Pan & Wendy (2023)
- Bones of Crows (2022)
- Rehab (2022)
- The Boy & The Braid (2019)
- Early Short Films (2018–2019)
TV Shows
- Little House on the Prairie (2026)
- Riverdale (2023)
- Bones of Crows: The Series (2023)
Alyssa Wapanatâhk Husband and Wife
Alyssa Wapanatâhk is happily married to Dylan Gidlow. The couple often appears together at public events, including movie screenings.
They have a daughter named Nitanis, also known as Wapi. Alyssa has spoken about how supportive her husband has been, especially during the early days of her career when she was focused on motherhood.
Together, they are raising their daughter with strong Cree cultural values.
Alyssa Wapanatâhk Net Worth
Alyssa Wapanatâhk’s exact net worth has not been publicly revealed, as she prefers to keep her financial details private.
Her main earning sources include acting roles in films and television series, especially high-profile projects like Disney’s Peter Pan & Wendy and Netflix’s Little House on the Prairie.
She also earns money as a filmmaker through writing and directing projects such as The Boy & The Braid. In addition, Alyssa works as a cultural consultant on major productions, which further contributes to her overall income.
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Alyssa Wapanatâhk Social Media
Alyssa Wapanatâhk is active on social media, especially on Instagram, where she connects with her growing fan base.
Her official Instagram account, @alyssawapanatahk, has over 15k followers. She regularly shares behind-the-scenes moments from her film projects, highlights from public events, and glimpses of her personal life.
Alyssa also uses her platform to celebrate Indigenous culture, support Indigenous causes, and promote authentic representation.
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