Identity Politics on the Road
Identity politics is by no means a subtle theme in Powwow Highway. The Native American road film displays the tensions that exist between the marginalized First Nation peoples and dominant society (namely white conservative America). Philbert, the spiritual protagonist of the film, reclaims his native identity as he proudly reiterates "We are Cheyenne." Identity politics in this film are based on modern day societal problems, such as poverty, reservation politics, racism, which is empowering for Native people as they are usually portrayed as stoic figures in cinema. On the road Philbert and Redbow, both violently and peacefully, assert their different understandings of who they are. Redbow is aggressive and a realist while Philbert is a spiritualist. Although the two characters have different beliefs and mentalities they both in some ways hold strong to their Native identity. Redbow achieves this through litigating for his community when white corporate America attempts to move in to their reservation. Philbert asserts his identity while he actively and enthusiastically participates in Native rituals. On the road identity politics are revealed by constant battles, both physical and moral, with Natives and non-Natives. For example, Redbow's sister is unjustly incarcerated. This film reveals that identity, a socially constructed word and idea, can have major effects on people's lives, especially for people who live on the margins of society.