Pow-wow Highway: Resistance and Understanding
Many of my classmates have already pointed out the internal and material differences between Philbert and Buddy. Their identity as Cheyenne is controlled by both the spiritual and cultural aspects of American Indian tradition and need for survival within a white, patriarchal, oppressive society. Many times, these two identities are put in opposition and often cause a tug-of-war like force upon American Indians. Pow Wow Highway exemplifies this action by showing both extremes: Buddy, an American Indian activist that resists capitalistic, oppressive motives to erase indigenous rights and property; Philbert, a spiritual Cheyenne member resisting normative and popular white-American values/culture in order to preserve the traditions of his ancestors.
Buddy and many others on the reservation are frustrated by the lack of resources and respect and often lose many of their cheyenne traditions in the process of this struggle. Philbert, on the other hand, seems oblivious at times to the political struggle of his people as he believes that traditions and spirituality are more important. In doing so, he often forgets that he is buying into many of the things that are erasing his people's cultural identity (cheeseburgers, hershey bars, etc). The road in this movie creates a space for both men to find a balance of political resistance and spiritual attainment. Their journey is governed by the corrupt law that oppresses them and by Philbert's desire to visit historical landmarks and to have solidarity with nature. In the end, I believe both men find understanding in one another's quest, in turn melding their respective identity politics into a common goal.