Dauna is a member of the Warao tribe of the Orinoco River delta. Her thirst for education is encouraged by her family and Father Julio. As Dauna grows, her desire to experience life beyond the river grows too. Tarcisio, her childhood sweetheart, supports her, but is tied to the traditional ways of the community. Dauna fears Tarcisio will succumb to what tradition dictates, thus thwarting her ambitions and dreams.