Who is Neewo from The Birchbark House and what is their importance?

Neewo is Omakayas' baby brother. He is described as a playful, innocent infant, with whom Omakaya shares a strong, loving connection. Neewo dies as a result of the smallpox epidemic, and over time, Omakaya feels his presence in nature and realizes that he will always be with her. Neewo, thus, becomes a symbolic representation of nature.