The text highlights the ongoing efforts by American authorities to suppress and erase the heritage of Native Americans, including the pressure on Native American men to trim their hair, which holds great significance in Indigenous traditions. This act is seen as a representation of an individual’s sense of self and connection to spirituality and society. The dehumanizing impact of these compulsory modifications is evident in the spiritual suffering endured by Native Americans. The American government also spread false information about Indigenous traditions to discredit their culture and spirituality, imposing American values and Christian beliefs on Native societies. Many individuals were separated from their families and enrolled in boarding schools where they were prohibited from using their languages or observing their cultural practices. These measures were not just about integrating individuals but were a campaign to eliminate Indigenous cultures entirely. The enduring effects of these assimilation strategies can be seen in the lasting distress felt by Native American communities today. This distress arises from having their unique identities taken away and being compelled to conform to a standard that was never intended for them. The continuing impact of past violence has led to various psychological and social difficulties for numerous Native people. The text introduces characters like Calvin Johnson, a reformed drug dealer grappling with addiction and mental health issues, who mirror the difficulties faced by Native Americans resorting to substance misuse as a means of dealing with profound feelings of bereavement and displacement. Jackie Red Feather, a sister of Opal, encounters challenges with addiction and depression, reflecting the struggles and personal journeys of many Native Americans dealing with a mix of personal battles and broader societal hurdles while navigating their cultural roots amidst the complexities of modern American society dynamics. In essence, the text reveals the connection between suffering, cultural heritage, dependency, and psychological well-being within Indigenous American societies, demonstrating the lasting scars inflicted by the U.S. Governments’ attempts to integrate and obliterate traditions.