‘Smoke Signals’ Shows Transition

Wed., July 8, 1998

By Rebecca Nappi rebeccan@spokesman.com (509) 459-5496

The movie theater was filled with young people from Indian tribes all over the country. They were attending the Native American Journalism Association conference in Tempe, Ariz., and were watching a special showing of the movie, “Smoke Signals.”

Some in the audience were from the Coeur d’Alene Indian Reservation, where much of the film was made. Whenever a familiar landmark appeared on screen, they clapped with pride. After the movie had ended, a few of the young people worried that “non-Indians wouldn’t get the humor.” Maybe not all the humor, but some of it certainly gets through. As does the profound message of growing up fatherless, complex family relationships and the pride and challenge of being an American Indian today.

“Smoke Signals” was written by author Sherman Alexie, who was raised on the Spokane Indian Reservation. The director and actors are American Indians, and the film won two awards at the Sundance Film Festival. Now, the film is playing at the Spokane Valley Mall.

It’s definitely worth seeing. Superficially, it’s fun to identify familiar landmarks featured in the movie. The Spokane River looks glorious. The old Greyhound bus station in downtown Spokane doubles for one in Phoenix. And the Phoenix desert is really some scrub land near Soap Lake, Wash.

On a deeper level, the movie invites viewers to learn and understand more about modern Indian culture. Many of the nation’s 554 tribes are undergoing profound and positive changes. Casinos have pumped new money and life into many reservations. Programs are thriving that stress higher education, sobriety and the revival of Native American arts, traditions and rituals. And American Indian leaders are honing their political skills. They understand the battles they face with non-Indian politicians who are going after their casinos and their sovereignty.

The Coeur d’Alene reservation is less than 40 miles from downtown Spokane and downtown Coeur d’Alene. If you’ve never been there in person, maybe the movie will motivate you to go. The reservation is prettier than the film depicts, and much is going on there, too. On July 18, the tribe will sponsor an open house at its new $5 million wellness center.

Misconceptions about other cultures often are shattered through art and reality. Watching “Smoke Signals” and then visiting the reservation allow you to experience both.

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