One's culture and the traditions associated with it are something to be proud of, not ashamed.

Younger generations tend to not have the same respect for traditions that the older generation do.

People can often be cruel or unkind towards people and practices that they don't understand.

Physical objects can help people feel connected to their loved ones, even once they are gone.

"Our friends would have laughed at the picture, because Grandpa wasn't tall and stately like TV Indians." (Paragraph 3)

"To Grandpa and the Sioux, he once told me, a thing would be done when it was the right time to do it and that's the way it was. 'Also,' Grandpa went on, looking at me, 'I have come because it is soon time for Martin to have the medicine bag."' (Paragraphs 39-40)

"I gave him the bag, for I believed it would protect him in battle, but he did not take it with him. He was afraid that he would lose it. He died in a faraway place." (Paragraph 72)

'"Thank you, Grandpa,' I said softly, and left with the bag in my hands. That night Mom and Dad took Grandpa to the hospital. Two weeks later I stood alone on the lonely prairie of the reservation and put the sacred sage in my medicine bag." (Paragraphs 82-83)

It causes him to believe his grandpa about the medicine bag's protective powers.

It makes him fearful of what might happen if he refuses to wear the medicine bag.

It helps him understand the significance of the medicine bag and be more accepting of wearing it.

It causes him to be skeptical about whether or not the medicine bag can truly protect him.