Ian Frazier

Ian Frazier is the author of "On the Rez" and the first-person narrator of the book. Although he is a white America, he greatly admires and reveres the Indians, and his interest leads to his friendship with Le and his frequent visits to the Pine Ridge Reservation in SD. The narrative begins with Frazier praising Indians for their sense of freedom and explaining how this idea contributed to America's founding principles of liberty and equality. Seeing Indian reservations as the last area of the U.S. to maintain its original identity and refrain from yielding to the country's "paving mechanism", Frazier admires the Indian's culture, especially their affinity for heroes.

While living in New York, Frazier meets Le War Lance, an Oglala Sioux, and the pair develop a long-lasting friendship. Le often introduces Frazier to his visiting family and friends, such as Floyd John, and they...