Kinship Ties
The novel presents the way that kinship ties are used in the Sioux society to enhance order and maintain intricate societal existence. Despite being quite difficult to follow, the characters are expected to follow it to the latter. The writer presents the clash that might happen as a result of individual interests. For instance, Waterlily appears conflicted with regards to whether she should marry Sacred Horse or reject his offer. She, however, gives in due to the fact that she has to maintain her family's honour. Kinship ties in the camp, are presented as being central to the survival of the camp circle on top of dictating the extent of interactions among individuals. Kinship is central to social relations as well as blood relations.
Oppressive Rituals
The writer presents the oppressiveness of the Sun Dance ritual in the novel. The dance is presented not only presented as being overwhelming, repressive and bleak to individual characters but it is also quite a controversial part of the Sioux society. After the Dakota invite the Omaha to the Sun Dance ritual, they are able to witness the astonishing effects of the same on the people. After Lowanla makes an oath to give one hundred pieces in return for his father's survival, he has to keep his word after his father survives. In this line, the boy is forced to cut pieces of flesh from his body. When he cuts only twenty pieces of flesh from his body at first, his aunts force him to cut the remaining pieces.
Bridal Purchasing
Bridal purchasing is quite explicitly brought out in the novel. For instance, Waterlily receives an offer to be purchased as a bride by the Sacred Horse as his wife and bride. Even though the lady is quite conflicted since her desires are not in line with marrying the man, she has to give in to him. She is forced by the kinship ties as well as the desire to maintain the honor of her family. Bridal purchasing is a tradition that contributes to the oppression of women as they are viewed only as objects to be purchased and not as people with rights and desires of their own.
