The film stars Richard Barthelmess and Ann Dvorak as its Native American protagonists, and also features Charles Middleton, Sidney Toler, Claire Dodd and Clarence Muse.

Though he is the son of a Native American chief, he has lived away from the reservation so long that he has lost all personal connection to his people.

Upon learning that his father Black Pony is on his death bed, Joe and his African American valet, Sam (Muse), travels to the Stone Eagle Reservation to see him.

At the funeral, he refuses a white Reverend's burial and sends his brother Adam to find a Native man for the rites.

Discovering Jennie in distress, Joe learns the truth and pursues Shanks in a high-speed car chase through the reservation.

While law enforcement search for him, Joe travels to Washington D.C. to meet the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, J.R. Dickinson, who blames "water power, oil rights, cattle rangers, timber" for blocking pro-Native legislation.

Standing high on the rocks, he and Lydia reunite with Joe taking a job in the Indian Service at Stone Eagle Reservation.