Based on a true story, an indigenous local tribe adopts Luna, a young stray whale, then they identify it as embodying the spirit of their late chief. When the government decides to transport Luna hundreds of miles overland in an attempt to reunite him with his pod, the tribe fights to protect their whale in a battle that puts political power against spiritual strength. The tribe's young, new chief Mike Maquinna finds himself embroiled in a storm that tests his abilities to lead the tribe and maintain their ancient spiritual beliefs in a modern world.