Smoke Signals Film Guide

Being a minority in America means:

• Belonging to a group that is smaller in number or has less power than the dominant group

• Being part of the largest cultural group in America

• Having more political influence than other groups

• Being born in another country

The true meaning of friendship is:

• A deep bond based on trust, support, and understanding.

• Having many acquaintances.

• Spending time only when convenient.

• Agreeing with everything a person says.

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Which of the following is a common Native American stereotype often observed films?

• Native Americans and fry bread

• Native Americans are portrayed as modern business professionals

• Native Americans love Tatot Tot Hot Dish

• Native Americans are depicted as famous pop singers

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The DJ on the reservation’s radio station states: “It’s a good day to be indigenous!” What does this statement mean, and why do you think it’s in the film?

• The DJ’s statement means it is a day to celebrate indigenous identity and pride, and it is in the film to highlight cultural resilience.

• The DJ’s statement means it is a day for everyone to listen to the radio, and it is in the film to promote music.

• The DJ’s statement means it is a day to remember history, and it is in the film to teach about the past.

• The DJ’s statement means it is a day to be sad, and it is in the film to show hardship.

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The significance of the scene of Thomas flying could be:

• It symbolizes freedom and escape.

• It shows Thomas's fear of heights.

• It represents a dream sequence unrelated to the story.

• It is a literal event with no deeper meaning.

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Victor’s relationship with his mother and Thomas’ relationship with his grandmother can be described as:

• Victor is distant from his mother, while Thomas is close to his grandmother.

• Victor is close to his mother, while Thomas is distant from his grandmother.

• Both Victor and Thomas are distant from their respective family members.

• Both Victor and Thomas are close to their respective family members.

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What does Thomas mean when he says, “You know, there are some children who aren’t really children at all. They’re just pillars of flame that burn everything they touch. And there are some children who are just pillars of ash, that fall apart if you touch ’em. Me and Victor—we were children born of flame and ash.”?

• He means that some children are strong and destructive, while others are fragile, and he and Victor are a mix of both.

• He means that all children are the same.

• He means that children are made of fire and ash literally.

• He means that he and Victor are not real children.

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Victor and Thomas face troubles traveling across the country because:

• they encounter prejudice and personal conflicts

• they have no money for transportation

• they get lost frequently

• they are pursued by the police

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Victor’s relationship with his father can be described as complex, and a young boy, 10 or 12 years old, might not want his father to leave home even if the father was abusive because:

• Children often crave parental love and stability, even in difficult circumstances.

• Young boys always prefer to be alone rather than with their parents.

• Abusive fathers are always seen as heroes by their children.

• Children do not care about their parents' presence at home.

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Being an Indian means different things to Victor and Thomas. Victor has gotten his ideas about how an Indian should act from:

• his father and the community's expectations

• movies and television

• books about Native Americans

• his experiences outside the reservation

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