Answer: the poem considers the experiences of Native Americans at the hands of Whites, both in the past and in the present. Some might say that it has a contemporary significance, that the experiences of Blacks and other non - natives has been similar and continues to be so.
It is also a critique of the alleged ideals of the US constitution, denied to many within the US borders, although alluded to constantly by politicians.
It is also a spiritual poem, an expression of the continuing importance of spiritual values and the mental/emotional support that they provide. It is a poem about death, about the dead and how they live with us but are now free of pain and suffering. It is about the cycles of life.
The poem probably represents the spiritual beliefs and values of the people that Joy Harjo is one of, but the fact that it is written in English expresses the belief that we all share values, beliefs, experiences of life and death which make us, in one sense, similar although we continue to emphasise our differences. It is this a plea for tolerance and for acceptance of others.
Step-by-step explanation: