- Details
- By Native StoryLab
How do you tell a story that blends tradition, modern life, and humor? Native writer and director Joey Clift joins Levi Rickert on this week’s Native Bidaské to discuss his animated comedy short film Pow, a story rooted in his own childhood experiences at powwows.
Pow follows a young Native kid trying to charge his video game console at a powwow—a scenario that’s both hilarious and relatable. With an all-Native voice cast and crew, including Cherokee Nation member and Annie Award winner Morgan Thompson, the film brings authenticity and representation to the screen.
Clift emphasizes the importance of cultural accuracy while blending modern and traditional elements. His goal is to inspire Native youth and families to embrace their culture while enjoying stories that reflect their realities. Pow is now streaming on FNX, reaching audiences who rarely see themselves in animated media.
On the episode, Clift shares the challenges of creating an all-Native production team, why representation matters in animation, and how humor can connect generations while honoring cultural traditions.
Tune in to Native Bidaské on Friday, Nov. 28 at 12 PM ET to hear Joey Clift’s behind-the-scenes story and the future of Native animation.
👉 Join us for this conversation on Native Bidaské
Date: Thursday, November 27th, 2025
Time: 12:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 a.m. CT / 10:00 a.m. MT / 9:00 a.m. PT
Streaming on: Facebook, YouTube, and the Native News Online website.
Help us tell the stories that could save Native languages and food traditions
At a critical moment for Indian Country, Native News Online is embarking on our most ambitious reporting project yet: "Cultivating Culture," a three-year investigation into two forces shaping Native community survival—food sovereignty and language revitalization.
The devastating impact of COVID-19 accelerated the loss of Native elders and with them, irreplaceable cultural knowledge. Yet across tribal communities, innovative leaders are fighting back, reclaiming traditional food systems and breathing new life into Native languages. These aren't just cultural preservation efforts—they're powerful pathways to community health, healing, and resilience.
Our dedicated reporting team will spend three years documenting these stories through on-the-ground reporting in 18 tribal communities, producing over 200 in-depth stories, 18 podcast episodes, and multimedia content that amplifies Indigenous voices. We'll show policymakers, funders, and allies how cultural restoration directly impacts physical and mental wellness while celebrating successful models of sovereignty and self-determination.
This isn't corporate media parachuting into Indian Country for a quick story. This is sustained, relationship-based journalism by Native reporters who understand these communities. It's "Warrior Journalism"—fearless reporting that serves the 5.5 million readers who depend on us for news that mainstream media often ignores.
We need your help right now. While we've secured partial funding, we're still $450,000 short of our three-year budget. Our immediate goal is $25,000 this month to keep this critical work moving forward—funding reporter salaries, travel to remote communities, photography, and the deep reporting these stories deserve.
Every dollar directly supports Indigenous journalists telling Indigenous stories. Whether it's $5 or $50, your contribution ensures these vital narratives of resilience, innovation, and hope don't disappear into silence.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Native languages are being lost at an alarming rate. Food insecurity plagues many tribal communities. But solutions are emerging, and these stories need to be told.
Support independent Native journalism. Fund the stories that matter.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher