Content Warning: This section discusses racism, colonialism and colonial violence, sexual assault, alcohol addiction, and death.

Crow Mary is the protagonist and narrator of the story. She grows up as Goes First with her family, rooted in the traditional teachings of the Crow tribe. Crow Mary is raised in the pre-reservation period, but colonization has already affected her family, as her grandfather was a white fur trader. As a kid, she has a profound connection with her grandmother, who teaches her about The Resilience of Indigenous Women. Crow women learn to build their tipis and own their homes, in contrast to middle-class white women of this era, who were usually financially dependent on their husbands. Young Goes First is deeply affected by the loss of her grandmother in battle with neighboring tribes, and she aspires to be brave like a warrior. She develops a strong bond with her grandmother’s brother, Red Fox, whom she calls “grandfather.” Red Fox becomes her teacher and guide. He imbues Crow Mary with Indigenous values of bravery, instructing her that “the brave take action in spite of [their] fear” (15). This idea guides Crow Mary’s survival journey throughout the story.