In The Way to Rainy Mountain, how important is landscape to his search for understanding about himself?

All of the Kiowa stories feature some aspect of nature. The reader quickly comes to realize that Kiowa tradition holds a strong respect for the land on which they live. Rather than take the earth for granted the Kiowa understand that without proper conservation practices the land will eventually desert them. Indeed this precept comes true when the buffalo herds are almost decimated. Without the buffalo for food, clothing, and housing the Kiowa are at a loss for how to exist. The tribe is forced to abandon their old way of life and adopt the practices of the encroaching white men for survival. However, the new way of life does is difficult to accept and before long the Kiowa fade away.