In 1970, anthropology student James and his wife June traveled to Panama's Gunayala region to study the Guna people. The Guna, known as prickly and independent, had burned down a resort built by American businessman W. D.

Barton when he attempted development on their islands. Over decades, James earned their trust through relentling cultural immersion, becoming fluent in the Guna language and enduring their staple food, dulemasi, to avoid insult. His daughter recalls living in Digandiggi, a village of 200 thatched-roof homes on a coral reef, where privacy was nonexistent and the communal outhouse was the only sanctuary.

The Guna maintained their racial structure against outside pressures, but now unprecedented development threatens their 500-year isolation. The family's deep connection highlights a pivotal moment as the group considers opening their world to outside influence.