This program examines the visceral nature of war and the bravery of Native American veterans who valiantly served in the United States military during the wars of the 20th century, and explores the paradox of these proud veterans who chose to fight for a country that considered them to be outside the American mainstream. These gripping stories are told against the backdrop of positive and negative themes familiar to Native Americans -- the warrior ethic, prejudice, forced assimilation, poverty, cultural pride, redemptive acts and healing -- through the prism of what it means to be "ogichidaa," one who protects and follows the ways of the warrior. "Way of the Warrior" uses historical footage, period photographs and sound effects of war laid next to more comfortable stateside settings of family and friends, reflecting the complexity of Native American warriors' motivations.
