Garnet is a 25-year-old Ojibwe man who returns to the White Dog reserve after being removed from his family by the Children's Aid Society at age three. Raised in all-white foster homes, he completely loses connection to his cultural identity and attempts to adopt the style of a Black man in Toronto to find community. After serving time in prison, he receives a letter from his biological brother that prompts his nervous return to his ancestral land.

Keeper is an Ojibwe elder living in the old cabin of Garnet's grandfather. A survivor of the residential school system, he successfully overcomes a severe alcohol addiction and takes on the responsibility of holding a sacred traditional drum. He teaches Garnet the Anishinaabe worldview, viewing their relationship as an equal partnership where both men help each other heal.

Alice is an Anishinaabe woman and a survivor of the residential school system. Following the forced abduction of her children by the government, she battled and overcame an addiction to alcohol with the help of her daughter. She intentionally remained unmarried to preserve Garnet's tribal status, holding onto the steady belief that her son would eventually return to the reserve.

Jackie is an intense, angry young man who serves as a strong advocate for traditional Ojibwe values. Unlike Garnet, he remembers their early childhood before they were taken by the foster care system and views white culture with intense hostility. He channels his trauma into political activism, participating heavily in the American Indian Movement.

Stanley is Garnet's brother who tracked him down after 22 years of separation. Passionate about social work, he acts as a bridge for Garnet, explaining the dynamics of the White Dog reserve and the personalities of their family members. He bears a strong physical resemblance to Garnet.

Jane is Garnet's sister who managed to remain with her other siblings while in the foster care system. She possesses a clear memory of their family history, which she shares with Garnet to help fill in his lost years. She plays a crucial role in bringing their mother back from addiction after their initial separation.

Lonnie is a friendly Black man who brings Garnet into his family's orbit in Ontario. Recognizing Garnet's cultural displacement, Lonnie offers him a place to stay and the experience of a supportive household. He continuously challenges Garnet to face reality and embrace his true identity.

John is Garnet's late father. Once a traditional Ojibwe man who taught his children about the land, he was completely broken by the government's abduction of his children. Unable to forgive himself, he turned to alcohol and isolated himself in a cabin before his death.

Harold is Garnet's late grandfather. Remembered by the community as one of the last traditional Ojibwe men, he carried knowledge of the Midewewin. He entrusted Keeper with a sacred drum and taught him the importance of living in balance with the natural world.

Wally is an energetic member of the White Dog reserve who enthusiastically takes up Garnet's idea to start a local radio station. He appoints himself the manager of the White Dog One Network Radio, leading to community frustration before the project becomes a collaborative effort.

Chief Isaac is the leader of the White Dog reserve. He represents the communal support system that awaits Garnet upon his return, attending important gatherings to honor community members' achievements.

Lazarus is an elder, leader, and teacher in the Ojibwe community. He officiates public prayers and maintains the historical memory of the reserve's families, encouraging the younger generation to honor their ancestors.

The matriarch of the Flowers family, she provides Garnet with his first experience of a loving household since his abduction. She maintains contact with Garnet while he is in prison and strongly encourages him to return to his biological family.