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Little Bear, raised by Bear Chief and one of his partners, Flower Woman, is central to the story. Although Little Bear is reared as a Blackfoot, his identity is bewildering because he is white. Little Bear is educated in English and learns the shocking truth about his identity. His father was a U.S. Army officer who had forced the Blackfoot people off their land and onto a reservation. Little Bear ultimately becomes a lawyer and works on treaties between the government of the United States and the tribal people. There are characters in each community who are crucial. Among these are Looking Back (the sister of Flower Woman) and Mary Fields—the mail carrier and general font of knowledge. Also included are the various "Blackrobes," or the priests and Bishop.
The traditions and practices of the people of the Blackfoot Nation, as well as their meetings and conflicts with white people of the Catholic Church and the U.S. Army, are described in fascinating detail. One of the techniques by which the author demonstrates her knowledge of and respect for Blackfoot traditions is her juxtaposition of events of the Blackfoot people, the priests, and the Army officers. The tribal people's respect for the land and life is demonstrated in their dealings with one another and the strange people they are suspicious of but try to respect. The clergy represent the culture and religions of the white people making inroads into those of the Blackfoots. The Army personnel serve as a counterpoint for many of the subtler situations of the tribal people with direct orders and violence, demonstrating the real political principles of the American government's usurpation of the land. Puhek's skill is evident in her skillful weaving of details and implications of situations in ways that whet the reader's appetite for more.