When the Spirits Dance is set during WW2 and is about Larry Loyie and his Cree family. The author weaves facts about how the war years changed the life of one Cree community. Teaching about the environment and an Indigenous family's survival on the land in a time of war are vital parts of the narrative. This story examines the meaning of war, contributions made by courageous Indigenous veterans, importance of Traditional Knowledge, and respect for the environment.