Identity and family
The main question of the novel seems to be what relationship Archilde should have with his parents, both as persons and also the philosophies and world view they represent. This is shaped by his experience of life and his awareness that white culture is not inherently evil as his mother would have him believe.
He realizes that many of the attitudes of the natives against white people constitute racism, and ultimately, Archilde must face the facts. He does not properly belong in his homeland, but rather, he should leave and make a better life for himself—but in a tragic incident, Archilde learns that sometimes, one's own community can cause them unfair and unreasonable difficulties.
Systemic issues in reservation life
It is no secret just how brutally and unfairly the early Americans were to the native populations, but the problems facing that community didn't go away just because the land issue was finally settled (unfairly). Even in 1936, Native Americans were often oppressed minorities, and with the lack of opportunity, León's community was left with plenty of resources for substance abuse but not for meaningful careers for young men.
The criminal element
There is a criminal element to the book. Many post-adolescent young men without direction find crime and substance abuse as a tempting offer. Archilde himself must respond to these challenges and come to peace with the brokenness of his home.
Scapegoat justice
Instead of allowing Archilde to escape his visit to the reservation, certain members of the community decide to pin two murders on him, and the novel ends with his wrongful arrest. This constitutes a scapegoat form of justice, where the community 'atones' for sins by the wrongful punishment of one person in particular, typically a good or virtuous person like Archilde.
