Morgan is a young Indigenous girl living in a foster home with her brother Eli. She experiences a journey of self-discovery, attempting to connect with her Cree heritage while struggling with the trauma of early separation from her mother. Resourceful and fiercely protective of her younger brother, she frequently takes the lead during their adventures in the alternate world of Askí.

Eli is Morgan's younger brother, a sensitive and artistic Indigenous boy who copes with the challenges of the foster-care system through his drawings. His sketches serve as magical portals to the world of Askí. Deeply connected to his Cree heritage, he faces severe bullying at his Earth school over his traditional long braid, leading to a crisis of cultural identity.

Arik is a talking squirrel who lives in Misewa and serves as a guide to Morgan and Eli. She currently resides in Ochek's former lodge and joins the human siblings on their journey to the past. Characterized by her humor and deep connection to the land, she helps the human siblings understand the customs of Askí.

Muskwa is the Great Bear, a formidable figure who terrorizes the villages in Askí. Initially perceived by the characters as a dangerous force of destruction, he represents the physical challenges of the natural world. Morgan struggles to reconcile the terrifying bear attacking villages in the past with the compassionate creature she remembers from other encounters.

Ochek is a Fisher who sacrificed himself in previous events and became a constellation. Through Eli's drawing, the siblings travel back in time to meet a younger version of him. He is friendly and acts as a steadfast companion to his friends while learning the responsibilities of being a provider.

Mihko is Ochek's father and a respected member of the Misewa community. He is a strong, caring figure who provides mentorship to Morgan and Eli, explaining the concept of blood memory to them. He is deeply committed to protecting his family and village from outside threats.

Chief Wapistan is the leader of Misewa. He embodies authority and the heavy responsibilities of leadership when his community faces the threat of the Great Bear. He is open-minded enough to listen to the council and value the contributions of outsiders.

Nicky, whose full name is Nikamon, is Ochek's mother and Mihko's wife. She is a warm, nurturing figure in the Misewa community who crafts traditional leather clothing for the children. Her name means "a song," reflecting a lullaby she hummed as a child.

Katie is Morgan and Eli's foster mother on Earth. She is well-intentioned and genuinely cares for the siblings, trying her best to support them while managing the complexities of the foster-care system. Early in the story, she provides Morgan with her mother's contact information.

James is the foster father of Morgan and Eli. He is observant and protective, worrying about the siblings spending too much time in the attic and losing sleep. Though sometimes strict about their routines, his actions stem from a genuine concern for their well-being.

Emily is Morgan's friend at her school on Earth. She is perceptive and supportive, checking on Morgan when she seems distant. She offers advice and sympathy when Morgan struggles with personal issues and when Eli faces bullying.

Jenny Trout is Morgan's mother. Separated from Morgan when her daughter was just three years old, Jenny represents Morgan's severed connection to her Cree heritage. She serves as the focal point of Morgan's internal conflict about her identity and past on Earth.

Pip is the leader of the seven Bird Warriors in Misewa. Dedicated to the safety of the village, Pip is a brave defender who resides in wigwams in the trees. The leader steps up to protect the community from the Great Bear.