What would you say is a theme or central message in The Way to Rainy Mountain by N. Scott Momaday?

One major theme in the novel is that of the importance of family. The narrator is deeply affected by the loss of his Grandmother. When the narrator describes Aho, the reader is presented with the image of strong family matriarch. Aho was a reverent woman who found a way to blend her Kiowa beliefs with her Christian beliefs without losing respect for either way of life. Aho's home stands as a sanctuary for her family - both before and after her death.

One thing that stands out in the book is the narrator's respect for his grandparents. Aho and Mammedaty feature prominently throughout the book. Aho's death prompted the narrator's return to his family's home. In the shadow of Rainy Mountain, the narrator finds his family's roots and a deeper understanding of his own life as a descendant of the Kiowa tribe. While at Aho's home, the narrator delves into the oral stories. As he progresses through the stories, the narrator is able to draw connections to his Grandfather. Mammedaty was a powerful figure of a man and in many ways, the reader believes that the narrator wishes to emulate his grandfather. It is as if the narrator is truly able to see his family for the first time. By returning to Aho's home, the narrator can see the ghosts of his family. He relives family summers and stories passed down from the older generation. The distance of time allows the narrator to review his family and his own life. The journey back to Rainy Mountain permits the narrator to come to a deeper understanding of his own family and maintain their memories.