Songs My Brothers Taught Me

Jashaun and John Winters live with their mother, Lisa, on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. As they navigate the complexities of their environment, they are faced with personal and familial challenges that shape their lives.

As John's high school graduation approaches, he grapples with anxiety about leaving the only home he has ever known. He begins to engage in illegal activities, distributing alcohol to provide for his family.

Facing his fears about leaving, John visits his incarcerated brother Cody for reassurance. Cody encourages John to follow his dreams and abandon the constraints of the reservation.

The family faces a devastating tragedy when their father, Carl Winters, dies in a house fire. At his crowded funeral, the impact of Carl's life is revealed, highlighting the complexities of his numerous relationships and children.

During Carl's funeral, John's and Jashaun's half-siblings gather to share mixed emotions about their father. Many of them express their resentment towards Carl for his absence, showcasing the divided legacy he left behind.

Eager to connect with Aurelia, John takes Jashaun to the café where she works. However, Jashaun’s curiosity leads her to eavesdrop on a conversation about their future, leading her to reflect deeply on her own aspirations.

Motivated by her family's turmoil, Jashaun takes a job with Travis, an artist recently released from prison. Their time together reveals the significance of the number 7 in their culture, linking it to Crazy Horse’s prophecy.

When John shares his plans to move to Los Angeles with Aurelia's family, they express doubt about his stability and readiness. This skepticism weighs heavily on John, causing him to question his choices.

While on an alcohol run, John is ambushed by rival bootleggers, leading to a violent confrontation. His truck is set on fire, leaving him vulnerable and questioning his current path.

At her first rodeo, Jashaun unexpectedly meets one of her half-brothers, Kevin. He invites her to ride their father's horse, Sundance, sharing his own struggles with family absence and the rodeo culture.

With the weight of his family's struggles on his shoulders, John finds the courage to reveal his plans to leave. However, uncertainty creeps in as he reflects on his ties to the reservation.

After a moment of uncertainty, John decides to recommit to his life on the reservation. He finds purpose and belonging while working at a body shop with one of his half-brothers, embracing his heritage.