Ray Levoi (Val Kilmer) is a FBI agent assigned to investigate murders on the Indian Reservation in the Badlands solely because of his Sioux heritage. He is teamed up with a legendary agent, Frank Coutelle (Sam Shepard), to keep those on the reservation in line with federal law. Tribal cop, Walter Crow Horse (Graham Greene), hits the FBI wall as he tries to uncover the conspiracy affecting his people. Maggie Eagle Bear (Sheila Towsey) left her city educated life to teach the reservation children and determine who is responsible for the uranium poisoned water. Ray eventually uncovers feelings for Maggie, the reasons for the poison water, the murders, and his connection to the Native American people.