Powwow Bound - PBS Wisconsin

Experience Menominee culture and traditions in this narrative-driven game.

Powwow Bound: A Menominee Homecoming is a 3D narrative-driven adventure game suitable for ages ten and up. Experience the story of a Menominee family returning to the reservation for the annual contest powwow. Play as Deborah Jo (DJ) as she works to uncover her mom’s history with the powwow dance circle.

Large crowd gathered outdoors in a forested amphitheater, many in traditional Native regalia, attending a powwow.

Who are the Menominee?

The Menominee are an Algonquin tribe in the Great Lakes region whose homelands encompass what is now known as Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. They are one of two tribes who have always lived in Wisconsin, and now reside on the Menominee Reservation located 30 minutes west of Green Bay.

The name Menominee is derived from the Ojibwe word “manoomin,” which means “wild rice.” This name was established through communications between European settlers and the Ojibwe, who called the tribe “The People of the Wild Rice.”

Today, the Menominee are most well known for their sustainable forestry practices, their tribal college, and a successful Tribal Restoration grassroots campaign known as DRUMS.

Play the game

Tips for Getting Started

Click the “New Game” button to begin playing.
Play on your computer. The game is playable on both Mac and Windows computers, but is not available on tablets or mobile devices.
Use Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Safari. The game is not optimized for other browsers, such as Firefox.
Check your audio. Playing with audio enabled is recommended, especially for the dance-related sections of the game.
Use full-screen mode for a better experience. Click the ‘Full Screen’ button beneath the game to enable full-screen mode. Press the ‘Escape’ key to exit full-screen mode.

“I never thought I’d see a game version of the powwow. I feel special to live in this time.”

– Menominee Player

Educator Guide

In a classroom setting, educators can share Powwow Bound: A Menominee Homecoming to support learners in grades 3-8 in learning about the culture and traditions of Wisconsin First Nations to meet the requirements of Wisconsin Act 31. The game’s educator guide offers background information, state standards, guiding questions, and a Menominee glossary.

“We’ve worked toward providing an experience that is a slice of life and represents a wholly unique worldview from any other video game in history.”

– Justin Eagle Gauthier, Narrative Writer

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Funding

Funding for Powwow Bound: A Menominee Homecoming is provided by Vision Maker Media, Steven Vedro and Beverly Gordon, the Focus Fund for Wisconsin Programs, and Friends of PBS Wisconsin.