The guiding voice of the poem acts as a spiritual teacher, imparting ancient Indigenous wisdom. They view the natural world as a literal family, emphasizing the profound interconnectedness of all living and non-living things. The speaker presents facts about the universe gently but with authority, functioning as a cultural memory-keeper who works to ensure these perspectives are passed on.

The primary addressee of the poem, representing all of humanity regardless of race or background. The reader has seemingly forgotten their origins and must be reminded of their place in the universe. They are instructed not to act as a dominant force over nature, but to recognize themselves as an equal participant in a vast, interactive cosmic dance.

Personified as a living, maternal entity that encompasses all human beings. The earth possesses different colors of skin—red, black, yellow, white, and brown—representing all of humanity as one unified physical organism. She is an interactive, nurturing force that provides the raw materials to sustain human form and breath.

Personified as a wise, eternal female presence who has existed since the beginning of the universe. Because she has roamed the earth for so long, she possesses profound knowledge about the origins of existence. She serves as a benevolent elder capable of sharing her ancient wisdom with anyone willing to listen to her voice.

Sentient beings that share the earth with humanity. The speaker humanizes them, indicating they form social structures, families, and communities just as humans do. Described as "alive poems," they are fully capable of teaching and interacting with human beings in an equal exchange of communication.

Personified celestial bodies that act as vast, cosmic memory-keepers. The stars possess individual stories that human beings are encouraged to learn and remember. They serve as elder relatives that witness the passage of time from above the earth.

A powerful celestial relative whose birth at dawn represents the strongest point of the day. The sun dictates the daily cycle, offering vital blessings during the daylight hours and gracefully yielding its power at sundown to make way for the night.

The biological parent of the reader. She represents physical sacrifice and creation, having endured labor and struggled to give her child form and breath. Her personal, human efforts mirror the larger nurturing and life-giving qualities of the earth itself.