Waterlily is a novel that follows the lives of a particular Dakota Indian family. The events in the book explore the diverse customs and traditions of the Dakota tribe, particularly marriage. Through her characters, the author documents the lives of different Dakota families and their roles in the community.
As the book opens up, Blue Bird is married to Star Elk. Her husband is a lazy, jealous and dishonorable man. In a fit of anger, Star Elk throws Blue Bird out of his home during a victory dance. According to the customs of the Dakota, Men were not allowed to publicly express emotions. Star Elk is the representation of sub-standard male values in the tribe.
After suffering public humiliation, Blue Bird returns to her original tribe where she is received. As the Dakota tradition mandated, everyone in need should be welcome without judgment or expectation. Blue Bird gets married to Rainbow, a hardworking, compassionate, and well-respected man. Blue Bird and her daughter find peace and happiness in their new family.
Waterlily grows up to become a decent young woman. She is married to Sacred Horse who dies of smallpox shortly after their union. Waterlily returns home with her unborn son, Mitawa. After the famous Sun Dance festival, Waterlily remarries and assumes her role as mother and wife. During the Sun Dance Festival, Dakota men fast, dance, and pray continuously. The men also give thanks to the gods for their fortune and families.
