How does the character, Luis Horseman, illustrate the loss of Navajo culture and heritage?

Luis Horseman, the murder victim, illustrates the loss of Navajo cultural heritage and the potential for personal consequences of this loss. Horseman understands only some of the old ways, and turns to them for safety when it becomes clear that he is in danger. However, he has forgotten many of the old Navajo chants that would make his survival in the wilderness more likely, at least in his belief. Hillerman does not state, or even imply, that Horseman could have saved himself if he had studied the old ways more diligently; however, Horseman is clearly denied in his final days the peace that he might have found had he more confidence in the chants and rituals of protection and provision that he performed. As Joe Leaphorn himself says, Horseman was "Just another poor soul who didn't quite know how to be Navajo and couldn't learn to act like a white. No good for anything."