The Lakota believed that this existence was only part of it all and when you died you would find a path before you. Depending on your life the path would have different characteristics. So if you are missed by your living family and your ancestors are proud of your choices, the path would be easy and it would come out unto the land of hunting and games until your passing onto the other. But if you don’t leave a good life and brought shame your path would be long dark and full of obstacles. You might forget who you are and be lost until the next world
This is what Black Elk kinda describes of the old world