Who is Junior Polotkin from Reservation Blues and what is their importance?

On the surface, Junior can be thought of as Victor's sidekick, or toady, however there is far more to Junior than merely being Victor's faithful stooge. Unlike many on the reservation, Junior has had the opportunity to go to college. Unlike his best friend, Victor, Junior is actually kind at heart. Like his best friend and so many others on the reservation, Junior's life has been plagued with hardship.