"We Are Cheyenne"
There are many identity issues that were placed in this film both on purpose and for comedic reasons. Philbert is seeking his calling from the Cheyenne people throughout this movie. Through his unconventional means to find himself, he makes people around him uncomfortable and upset, especially Buddy. In the movie the boys are treated differently because they are Native American. They come from extreme lower class and live by the simplest means possible. This shows identity politics because it shows what most people think of Cheyenne people: poor, pot smoking, drinkers with little will to help themselves or the community. This is done not only through the film making but through the corporate people that judge their livestyles. Sandy Youngblood shows that he is too corporate or an elitist in the group of Cheyennes. He tries to authoritate the community because he believes he is superior and knows more than the others. Philbert also tells many stories of the Cheyenne. He shows that he is proud of his background and just wants to do more, be more, and act more like his ancestors from his tribe. Buddy is a pessimist. He has much hatred for many people throughout the film, including Sandy, and feels that there is no way out of this financial burden. Philbert uses old stories of Mateo and the four tokens to try to find the right thing to do. He believes in spirituality. This shows that he lives the life of a Cheyenne and chooses to not be anything but a Cheyenne. Buddy, although very famous throughout the community, doesn't believe the core beliefs of a Cheyenne. He often criticizes Philbert's actions. It isn't until the end where we see these two come together as one. They save Buddy's sister from jail and escape the police of New Mexico. They work together to show how strong Cheyenne can be. It isn't until the Powwow in South Dakota that Buddy starts to show his Cheyenne roots. By the end of the movie, one can see that this film is about the Cheyenne coming together as one, in a journey. They find an answer to their community's problems and join forces as the Cheyenne, their identity.