This story is about the brokenness of the Native communities in the early 20th century. Without resources or economy, the reservations were left with only the remnants of a fading tradition in an increasingly desperate situation. Archilde represents the Messiah figure who comes back to his homelands and is rejected for his open-minded perspective. The purpose of his character seems to be to bear witness to the tragedy of his home, and then to be offered by the community as a scapegoat for sins he did not commit—a fulfillment of his messianic role in the community.
Therefore the question also directly addresses the question of identity. Without family or friends who share Archilde's commitment for integrity, he finds himself without any community support. He is essentially ostracized for his "white-ness," which is wrongful and racist. But for Archilde, the problem goes deeper. His father represents a Spanish opinion of life. His mother's views are Flathead Indian, and his own convictions have been shaped by his experiences in boarding school. He is ostracized.
One might even say he is "rejected by his homelands." This might be an indication that he serves a prophetic role in the community, because his very existence poses a threat to their already-shaky economy. The fact that the new generation of Flathead Indians are increasingly Americanized and increasingly prone to wayward behavior is an indication that the community cannot survive without serious changes. Their response to this new awareness? Betrayal.
