The central theme of Animals of the Soul is the appraisal and celebration of the relationships between the native peoples and the animals of their environment. The Oglala believe that all animals have their own symbolic and mythical meanings which relate closely to aspects of our own spiritual world. These sacred animals can guide us in how to care for each other and for our endangered planet.

A book on Black Elk's, the last of the Sioux holy men, his account of the Seven Rites of the Oglala Sioux.