Documentary on Native American powwows in Oklahoma, whose history and traditions are described by representatives of various tribes, many of whom speak from personal experience as singers, dancers, or drummers. Topics include the origins and evolution of the powwow; a discussion of powwow singing and drumming, including the musical structure of a song; and descriptions of the components of a powwow, including contests and gift-giving. The costumes, music, and characteristic movements of the various dances are described and depicted: first the women's dances (southern cloth dance, buckskin dance, jingle dress dance, fancy shawl dance), then the men's dances (straight dance, northern traditional dance, grass dance, fancy dance, ruffle dance).