Idpol on the Powwow Highway
Powwow Highway deals very directly with the topic of identity politics through a frequently ignored oppressed group – the Native Americans. Buddy Redblood best embodies the modern quest for justice and identity among this group. An avid activist in the American Indian Movement, Buddy takes an aggressive, at times even militant approach to securing his freedom and pride. There are several examples of this throughout the film including his standoff with Youngblood (both times), his fight with the white electronics clerk, and the hurling of glass at an oncoming police car. His rash actions demonstrate how the rage multiple decades of oppression manifests itself. As a member of the oppressed group in the film, Redblood is allowed to get away with his criminal actions, affirming the cause he is fighting for and his angry feelings. Philbert represents the search for identity and resistance to oppression through traditional Native American means, such as visiting sacred ground and retelling stories with an important message.
On the road, the only positive interactions that take place between whites and Native Americans occur with Bonnie’s friend Rabbit. Bonnie seems to be acclimated into white culture, having lived off of the reservation and having half white children (perhaps this is why Redblood hasn’t talked with her in years?). Redblood perceives Rabbit and even his own “acclimated� people as threats to his being and way of life. After the men leave the reservation, Redblood’s actions seem out of line, and yet at the meeting with Youngblood he seems like a fervent young man speaking out for those surrounding him. A consciousness rising occurs in Santa Fe among Bonnie’s children, Skye and Jane. The children do not know their identity as Native Americans, but quickly find out from Bonnie and Philbert after posing the question. Defining places of identity are found in Philbert’s frequent stops along the Midwest. He visits his ancestors, witnessing the grounds of their oppression and drawing strength to continue the journey. The Native American identity is at the core of this film, concluding with the group walking away from the camera, free from white oppression - for the time being. They are still on the run from the law and will more than likely only achieve peace back on the reservation, continuting the battle of having their identity accepted and respected among popular culture.