Ancestor of the Bear Shield and Red Feather families and a survivor of the Sand Creek Massacre. Develops a substance use disorder and passes on the power of storytelling to future generations.

Opal Viola Bear Shield’s father who teaches Jude Star about Indigenous rituals and culture, including creating a drum and using peyote.

Jude and Hannah’s son, who marries Opal Viola Bear Shield, and struggles with substance use disorder, impacting his writing and plans for the future.

A real historical figure depicted as a military officer who oversees Indigenous prisoners at Fort Marion, later founding the Carlisle Indian School.

Victor Bear Shield’s daughter and mother of Victoria Bear Shield, who makes her way out of the Carlisle Indian School and to Oakland, maintaining optimism for her daughter’s future.

Daughter of Charles Star and Opal Viola Bear Shield, raised by the Havens and later brings her daughters to Alcatraz Island, leaving a significant piece of their heritage.

Daughter of Victoria Bear Shield, who raises Orvil, Loother, and Lony as their grandmother. Struggles to connect them to their Indigenous culture while confronting her own heritage.

Victoria Bear Shield’s daughter who moves in with her sister Opal, reestablishing family connections after struggling with substance use disorder.

Youngest son of Jamie Red Feather who is imaginative and desires to live independently while longing for familial connection.

Jamie’s middle child, striving to find his place and express himself creatively through poetry and rap, while grappling with feelings of anger and cultural appropriation.

Orvil's friend of multiracial heritage navigating identity challenges, who shares a struggle with substance use disorder.

Sean’s adoptive father and brother, with Tom involved in drug production and Mike exhibiting aggressive behavior.