Hawk Running Elk is a Navtive American boy living in Denver Colorado with his parents and sister. The family attends a local powwow or gathering. His parents are interested in returning to the reservation and their roots. Hawk and his sister win door prizes at the powwow and his prize is a fancy dance bustle kit. His sister wins a fancy shawl. Hawk wants to make the bustles with Dad's help. Mom helped his sister Fawn make a fancy shawl dance dress. They also learned Indian style dances. They attend a powwow on the Wind River Reservation. Dad is offered a job with the tribe. The family decides to move back to the reservation. Hawk also endures the rite of passage task. They also attend the big powwow back in Denver with a surprise ending.