Aminah Nieves is an American actress known for her portrayal of Teonna Rainwater in the television series 1923. The role of Teonna, a young Crow woman in a Catholic boarding school, has resonated with audiences and has been a deeply personal experience for Nieves. She has stated that playing the character has changed her life, giving her confidence and a sense of her own resilience. The role has also been a way for her to honor her ancestors and bring a part of history to life. Prior to 1923, Nieves had roles in films such as Dogwood and Blueberry. She also did a lot of background acting work and worked as a doula and an herbalist. She was hesitant to audition for the role of Teonna, sending in her tape on the due date after being encouraged by her mother, who told her it was important for their communities and for indigenous people across the world. Nieves has described the experience of playing Teonna as emotionally intense and at times, triggering. She learned how to speak the Crow language for the role and performed many of her own stunts. She prepared for the role by spending time with her family and her language coach, Birdie Real Bird, who was also an Apsáalooke/Crow advisor. Nieves has described her costars, including Jennifer Ehle and Sebastian Roché, as humble, kind, and big-hearted people. Aminah Nieves was born on October 2, 1995, and grew up in Hammond, Indiana. As a child, she had a strong connection to the arts. She initially wanted to be a traveling symphonic musician before she decided to pursue acting. After high school, she moved to New York City to attend acting school. Before her big break on 1923, Nieves spent several years working in various jobs to support herself. She did background acting for four or five years and at one point was working up to four jobs at once. She was a doula, an herbalist with her own practice, and also worked at a clothing store. Nieves has described her family as being a major influence on her life and career. She has referred to her parents as "revolutionists" and "artists who were unapologetic." She said she was "completely submerged in all types of creation" growing up. Her inspiration comes from her elders, her community, and the land. The role of Teonna Rainwater in 1923 was a deeply personal and transformative experience for Nieves. She has stated that playing the role changed her life, giving her confidence and a stronger voice. She almost didn't audition for the part because she felt the role would be "triggering" due to the subject matter of residential schools and the trauma her ancestors endured. However, her mother encouraged her to audition, telling her it was important for their communities and for indigenous people around the world. Nieves has said that she had only $21 to her name when she booked the role. Nieves' personality comes across as deeply connected to her heritage and community. She is a proponent of self-belief and has shared a message of empowerment for aspiring actors. She has said that her character, Teonna, gave her a specific kind of confidence and helped her reclaim her voice.