For Immediate Release
Nebraska Public Media Partners with PBS Wisconsin to Produce 3D Video Game
LINCOLN, Neb. (Aug. 22, 2025) – Nebraska Public Media and PBS Wisconsin are partners in the creation and launch of “Powwow Bound: A Menominee Homecoming,” a 3D narrative-driven adventure game sponsored by Vision Maker Media in Lincoln, a source for public media by and about Native Americans.
“This cross-station collaboration facilitates the sharing of costs and staff resources, and allows us to pool our collective expertise, creativity and technical capabilities,” said Nebraska Public Media General Manager and CEO Stacey Decker. “By working together, we can innovate more efficiently, maximize our common public media missions and elevate underrepresented voices.”
Led by Nebraska Public Media Labs, a space for experimentation, exploration and incubation in content creation and storytelling, game producer/developer Jacob Schwitzer and PBS Wisconsin interactive media producer Angelina Shi, this immersive story is set in and around the Menominee Reservation located in northeastern Wisconsin. Schwitzer is a member of the Menominee tribe.
“Being able to share my culture through this game has been a dream, and I hope it shows other Indigenous peoples that our stories have a place in this medium,” said Schwitzer. “The game continues public media’s mission to tell culturally rich stories, just like we do on television and radio.” Schwitzer added that Menominee tribal advisors and community members helped ensure that the game developers authentically showcased voices, culture and traditions.
“Powwow Bound: A Menominee Homecoming” is available to play for free online at NebraskaPublicMedia.org/powwowbound. It works on both Mac and Windows computer platforms but is not currently supported on tablets or phones. Nebraska Public Media Labs recommends using Chrome, Edge or Safari browsers for the best playing experience.
In “Powwow Bound: A Menominee Homecoming,” game character Deborah Jo (DJ) is a teenage girl reconnecting with her Menominee roots during her family’s return to the reservation for the annual contest powwow. The family prepares for a special dance honoring their deceased grandfather and helps their mother rejoin the dance circle along the way.
The goal of the game is to authentically present the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin as it exists today and allow players to learn about the culture and traditions of the tribe through the lens of the annual contest powwow.
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About Nebraska Public Media
Nebraska Public Media has connected citizens with news, sports, education and entertainment since 1954. Providing global and compelling stories from PBS and NPR, the statewide public media network also produces award-winning local content. Its programs and services reach Nebraskans on television, radio, online, social media and mobile apps. Visit NebraskaPublicMedia.org for more information.