Neewo's character traits.

Neewo is Omakayas' beloved baby brother, a playful, innocent infant with whom she feels a stronger connection than she does with any of her other siblings. Omakayas seems to have an instinctive understanding of his situation and feelings, a bond that is (from Omakayas' initial perspective) seriously tested when he dies as the result of smallpox. Later, however, she senses the presence of his spirit in nature, and comes to realize he is with her always. This suggests that Neewo is, throughout the narrative, a symbolic representation of nature, with Omakayas' intuitive insight into his feelings and wants foreshadowing her eventual acceptance of her insight into the ways of nature in general.