
- Details
- By Darren Thompson
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Known to the world as “Doggface”, Nathan Apodaca (Northern Arapaho and Mexican) recently tested positive for Covid-19.
On his social media accounts, he shared a photo of his positive test result on Tuesday, Dec. 15, not long after he traveled to Los Angeles by plane to fulfill media projects. TMZ reported on Dec. 15 that it was his first time traveling via plane.
According to TMZ, Apodaca started feeling Covid symptoms four days after returning home from Los Angeles. Some of his symptoms included headaches, fever, coughing, congestion and difficulty breathing, according to his talent agency Gitoni Productions.
Apodaca is considered one of 2020’s biggest internet sensations after he went viral on TikTok for skateboarding to Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” while sipping Ocean Spray. His video sent the classic Fleetwood Mac hit to the top of music charts for the first time in decades, inspiring thousands of people to make their own video encouraging everyone to “stay steady vibin’.”
His TikTok post was used in Ocean Spray television commercials that provided Apodaca high visibility, including commercials that ran during the World Series this past fall.
According to his agent, Apodaca has had to reschedule several appearances due to the positive test result as well as a family vacation he had planned for his family during the holidays. He recently got engaged to his fiancé, Estela Chavez, while in Los Angeles where she also has tested positive for Covid.
In his normal fashion, he posted a video on TikTok dancing to Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive.” He has more than 3 million followers on TikTok.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsUS Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Cheyenne River Youth Project Offers a Busy Summer with Clubs, Parties, Internships and More
NTU Men’s Skyhawks Host Competitive Basketball Tryouts
Help us tell the stories that could save Native languages and food traditions
At a critical moment for Indian Country, Native News Online is embarking on our most ambitious reporting project yet: "Cultivating Culture," a three-year investigation into two forces shaping Native community survival—food sovereignty and language revitalization.
The devastating impact of COVID-19 accelerated the loss of Native elders and with them, irreplaceable cultural knowledge. Yet across tribal communities, innovative leaders are fighting back, reclaiming traditional food systems and breathing new life into Native languages. These aren't just cultural preservation efforts—they're powerful pathways to community health, healing, and resilience.
Our dedicated reporting team will spend three years documenting these stories through on-the-ground reporting in 18 tribal communities, producing over 200 in-depth stories, 18 podcast episodes, and multimedia content that amplifies Indigenous voices. We'll show policymakers, funders, and allies how cultural restoration directly impacts physical and mental wellness while celebrating successful models of sovereignty and self-determination.
This isn't corporate media parachuting into Indian Country for a quick story. This is sustained, relationship-based journalism by Native reporters who understand these communities. It's "Warrior Journalism"—fearless reporting that serves the 5.5 million readers who depend on us for news that mainstream media often ignores.
We need your help right now. While we've secured partial funding, we're still $450,000 short of our three-year budget. Our immediate goal is $25,000 this month to keep this critical work moving forward—funding reporter salaries, travel to remote communities, photography, and the deep reporting these stories deserve.
Every dollar directly supports Indigenous journalists telling Indigenous stories. Whether it's $5 or $50, your contribution ensures these vital narratives of resilience, innovation, and hope don't disappear into silence.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Native languages are being lost at an alarming rate. Food insecurity plagues many tribal communities. But solutions are emerging, and these stories need to be told.
Support independent Native journalism. Fund the stories that matter.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher