Jimmy McClean begins the novel isolated and adrift, disconnected from his peers and not knowing how he fits into Lakota and white society. By exploring Lakota history and culture with his Grandpa Nyles, Jimmy discovers the value of that heritage, gaining a sense of stability and confidence. Expanding that lesson, the novel shows that preserving and appreciating cultures of the past is crucial to personal and societal progress.

Grandpa Nyles has a deep appreciation for his and Jimmy’s Lakota culture and history. He has intimate knowledge about the lives of Crazy Horse and other Lakota ancestors, as well as the exact timetable of historical events like the Battle of the Hundred in the Hands. This cultural knowledge has great benefits for Jimmy, who is struggling with his own identity. For example, by learning about his physical similarities to Crazy Horse, Jimmy gains a courageous role model, who inspires him to remain calm under pressure and put the needs of the helpless above his own. Jimmy also gains a newfound appreciation for the land around him at important Lakota cultural sites, like Bear Butte and the Tongue River Valley. He returns home a more respectful and contemplative person, better able to appreciate his place in the world.