Miami Indian Powwow (1998)

The powwow has become one of the most recognizable forms of Native American celebration today, and occurs in virtually every state in the U.S. But despite the many similarities among these powwows, the Miami powwow is a unique event, one tied to their tribal identity as Miami as well as their intertribal identity as Native Americans. Particular attention is paid to how personal, social, cultural, political, and ethnic identities are negotiated through regalia, religious practice, music, and dance.  Part 3 of the Indiana Folklife series takes viewers to an intertribal powwow hosted by the Miami Indians in Columbia City, Indiana. The powwow has become one of the most recognizable forms of Native American celebration today, and occurs in virtually every state in the U.S. But despite the many similarities among these powwows, the Miami powwow is a unique event, one tied to their tribal identity as Miami as well as their intertribal identity as Native Americans. Particular attention is paid to how personal, social, cultural, political, and ethnic identities are negotiated through regalia, religious practice, music, and dance.