Blake, Michael, 1945-

Michael Blake, circa 2008 (Box 19, Folder 34)

Michael Blake was born on July 5, 1945, in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Blake’s journalism career began while he was in the Air Force, where he was the assistant editor of the base newspaper, The Strategian. After studying journalism at the University of New Mexico and attending film school in Berkeley, California, he moved to Los Angeles where he worked as a journalist and writer.

Blake’s work reflects his interests in the American West and the late 19th century western frontier. His novels and screenplays are often concerned with the state of Native Americans and the effects of settlers upon them. This interest led to Blake’s most well-known work, Dances with Wolves, which was recognized with seven academy awards, the Golden Globe, the Silver Spur, and the WGA award.

His awards also include the Eleanor Roosevelt Award for work with minorities and the environment, and the U.S. Air Force’s Americanism Award. For his dedication to the protection of wild horses and wolves, he was named the Animal Protection Institute’s Humanitarian of the Year.

Blake’s screenplays include: Stacey’s Knights (1983); Dances with Wolves (1990); and Winding Stair (1998), which he also directed. His novels include Dances with Wolves (1988); Airman Mortensen (1991); Marching to Valhalla (1996); The Holy Road (2001); and Into the Stars (2011). His non-fiction includes his autobiography, Like a Running Dog (2002); Indian Yell (2006); and Twelve the King (2009).

From the guide to the Michael Blake papers, 1949-2010, 1960-2010, (University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research)