What was the main conflict in book river wind?

In "River Wind," the main conflict revolves around the protagonist, Joseph Thunder Horse. Joseph is a Native American boy living on the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota during the 1950s. The primary struggle he faces is the tension between his traditional Cheyenne culture and the dominant white society.

Joseph loves learning about his Cheyenne heritage, including their language, traditions, and spirituality. However, he also attends a government-run school where he encounters discrimination and prejudice from some of his teachers and peers. Joseph grapples with the pressure to assimilate and conform to the expectations of the white society while also feeling a strong connection to his Cheyenne roots.

The conflict intensifies when the government decides to build a dam that threatens to flood the Cheyenne River Valley and displace the Native American community. Joseph becomes involved in the resistance movement to protect his land and people. He must find the strength to stand up for what he believes in, even when it means challenging powerful institutions and risking his own safety.

Ultimately, "River Wind" explores the struggle for cultural identity and self-determination as Joseph navigates the complex landscape of assimilation, prejudice, and the fight for Native American rights.