In 1990, the Hopi Tribe staged an unprecedented and uncharacteristic public protest against what had been Arizona's number-one 'Indian' attraction for 70 years ... and which didn't include a single Indian. Behind the makeup and costumes were members of an exclusive, non-Native organization, the Smoki People. Smoki members, men and women, bore a distinctive tattoo on their left hand and often were prominent in Arizona's business, social and political communities, including Senator and Presidential candidate, Barry M. Goldwater. Sixteen years after the last performance, the annual Smoki ceremonials and Snake Dance is still an emotionally-charged, controversial subject. Critically examined for the first time, the culture of the Smoki People organization is seen from the perspectives of those who lived it, those who witnessed it, and those offended by it. 'Raindance in a Storm' sheds light on the historical attitudes and sensitivity of America's dominate Anglo culture toward its minority Native population, and raises questions about how we respect and feel about diverse cultures today. In the process of creating this documentary, the filmmakers interviewed and consulted with Native American tribal leaders, surviving members of the Smoki People organization, community leaders, and Arizona historians and scholars.