Since 2022, MotCP’s annual The Way We event highlights Native pop culture and showcases timely perspectives for Cherokee people, primarily by Cherokee people. These community-centered events put Native self-representation in the spotlight and uplift creative work that explores identity through artistic expressions in film, music, visual art, and more.

Redbird (2025) | Directed by Emma Barrow (Cherokee Nation)

A Cherokee woman fights to protect her niece from an unlawful adoption by her white grandparents as she reckons with feeling distant from her own culture.

Tentsítewahkwe (2024) | Directed by Katsitsionni Fox (Mohawk) with Xochitl Fox (Mexica/Azteca)

Embodying the Mohawk value of tentsitewahkwe (we pick it up again), Jessica Shenandoah goes on a knowledge-gathering journey across all four seasons to reinvigorate the healing, land-based practices of her foremothers. Jessica reclaims knowledge that has been asleep for generations due to the destructive effects of boarding schools, forced religion and land theft.

Thin Places (2025) | Written & Directed by Brit Hensel (Cherokee Nation)

After her sister Tama’s untimely passing, Birdie learns that the bond between them is stronger than life and death. In between states of memory and heartbreak, Tama and Birdie show how we can continue on in a different way if we are willing to listen.

Tiger (2025) | Directed by Loren Waters (Cherokee Nation, Kiowa Tribe)
“Tiger” highlights an Indigenous award-winning, internationally acclaimed artist and elder Dana Tiger, her family, and the resurgence of the iconic Tiger t-shirt company.

Chena George (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians)
Amy Postoak (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians)
Jakeli Swimmer (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians)
Kevin Tafoya (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Santa Clara Pueblo)
Laura Walkingstick (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians)
Jennifer Wilson (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians)