Who is Officer Jim Chee from Talking God and what is their importance?

Office Jim Chee is the very unusual combination of a young Navajo Tribal Police Officer who is also training to become a shaman, or medicine man. Chee follows the Navajo religion, called the Navajo Way, and other aspects of the traditional Navajo culture. This commitment to his people and his culture doom Chee's relationship with girlfriend Mary Langdon, a white teacher from Wisconsin.