Aberdeen (2024) Movie Script
1
Aberdeen,
Catch a big one, Mushroom.
Yeah, she's female, 40s to 60s.
Yeah, she's Brown.
Hey, you can't be here.
Hey, come on.
Let's go.
You can't be sleeping here.
Let's go.
Get up.
You can't kick me like that.
We weren't kicking you.
You have to get up and go home.
You can't be sleeping here.
Now she's awake.
You can send them.
Let's go.
No, no, you can't be
drinking in public.
Come on.
What?
Kicking me is what I felt.
No.
Hey, come on.
- No.
- Come on.
That's enough.
Come on.
Don't touch me.
You can't touch me like that.
Get up.
Get up.
Cops are going to come
pick you up and take
you someplace to
sleep this off, OK?
OK?
- Do you hear me?
- I can't hear you.
- Come here.
- What?
Shit.
Go, you Aberdeen.
You crazy bitch!
I'm seeing it.
Hey!
Get your fucking hands off me.
Why don't you
bother someone else?
It's my own fucking land.
And I kicked him in the balls.
They booked it the
hell out of there.
Fuck, you're crazy.
Well, that's what they get
for kicking me, trying to hack
and say they weren't kicking me.
A fucking joke.
Right.
Fuck.
You think they're
going to charge you?
I don't give a shit.
Fucking dirty pigs!
Let me lose my IDs.
Oh.
Heck, my head is sore.
Hey!
Hey, when can I
make my phone call?
I got to call my
brother to come get me.
When we have the time, we'll
take you to your phone call.
Right now, sit down and shut up.
Ugly ass!
You are on fire.
Come on.
Phone's right there.
Can make your call in here.
You're just going to
stand there or what?
I'll be outside.
Go then.
Mr. Spence.
Hi.
Oh.
Well, the results are in.
I'm very sorry, but
it doesn't look good.
Yeah, I figured.
How much time?
Three to six months.
I'm sorry.
Do you mind?
No, go ahead.
Hello?
Boyd, I'm in jail.
You got to come get me.
They threw me in a drunk tank.
Heck, I wasn't even that drunk.
Aberdeen, you can't
keep doing this.
It's the last time.
I promise.
And I lost all my IDs, so you
got to come tell them who I am.
Hello?
Hello?
I got to go.
Can we schedule a follow-up?
Sure.
I'll call.
This fucking place.
Your sister's lucky she's
not facing criminal charges
for what she did.
Aberdeen's had a tough
life, broken home,
drug-addicted daughter.
She had to leave Peguis
because of the flooding.
She's been living in motels
for the last few years.
She was recently evicted
from the last one she was in.
I want to apologize
for any inconvenience
she may have caused.
I understand she's not the
most cooperative person.
I've been trying to get my
sister to come to the church
and find God.
I think if she let
God into her life,
she could do wonderful things.
You're a man of the Lord.
I am.
He saved me from myself.
I was not far from where
Aberdeen is right now,
but I let the Lord into
my life, and he saved me.
Between you and me,
I think she has a demon,
a bitter demon.
They all do.
Come in.
All right, sir.
Yeah.
You can meet her up
front in a minute.
Thanks, Larry.
Thank you.
Thank you.
God bless you and your family.
Tell your sister to
stay out of trouble.
I will.
Can you believe those guys
putting me in a drunk tank,
making me lose all my IDs?
What's with you?
What's wrong with you?
Why do you act like this?
Do you realize I've been trying
to reach you for the last month?
Yeah, roll your eyes.
Fuck's sakes.
I'm sorry.
I know.
So why were you trying
to get a hold of me?
The kids are in foster care.
They're in the city.
You need to come home.
It's time to grow up.
Why did you give them up?
Because I'm sick, Aberdeen.
I can't care for them.
I've been sick for a while.
It's cancer.
Oh, gosh, you stink.
You're not so fresh yourself.
Come home, Aberdeen.
I'm not a good mom.
I failed Pritchard.
I'll fail again.
Pritchard's an adult.
She made her own choices.
But her kids need you.
At least come with
me to see them.
I have a scheduled
visit with them today.
It's been a long time since
you've seen them last.
I have to be
somewhere in an hour.
OK, OK.
Hi, Boyd.
Nice to see you again.
You too.
Hey, Aberdeen.
And you must be the koo--
kookum.
"Koo-kom."
Sorry?
It's pronounced "koo-kom."
Oh, "koo-kom."
OK, good.
How are you?
OK.
Well, the kids just
arrived for your visit,
so please take a seat.
Someone will be with you.
Do you have to act like that?
What?
Like you don't want to be here.
I don't want to be here.
You know why?
We knock.
Well, fake it.
We're here to see the kids not
so you can act like an ass.
OK.
So I'll see you in
about 45 minutes, OK?
Yeah, thank you.
Hello again, Boyd.
How are you?
I'm good.
Thank you.
This is my sister
I told you about.
Oh, Aberdeen, right.
So it's nice to meet you.
I mean, Boyd has said a
lot of things about you.
All good things, I'm sure.
Yeah, all great things.
Let me take you to
see the kids, OK?
Yeah, please follow me.
How are you doing?
I'm good.
That's good.
Kids are excited to see you.
- Me, too.
- Yeah.
Oh, and by the way, this is my
office, so if you need anything,
I'll be right in there.
OK.
And it's just down this way.
OK.
Hey, kids, I got a visitor.
Hey.
Old Boyd.
Hey, Alfie.
Hey, kids.
Look, look, look, look
who came to visit.
Hey.
I thought you bring mom.
Mom was sick.
You've gone so tall.
Holy.
And you kids are so big.
You've grown so much.
OK, you guys have a nice visit.
I'll be back, OK?
So how have you guys been?
- Been good.
- Good.
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
And you, what grade
are you in now?
Grade 10.
Oh, really?
I'm really happy to be here.
We start with 6, 6, 5, 5, 3.
- What?
- Yes.
- OK.
- It's my turn.
It's your turn.
That's not how this game works.
- It's working.
- Because she's winning.
She's winning.
That's right.
- No, go ahead.
- Go ahead.
Do you have a 7?
Me or him?
- You.
- OK.
No, I don't.
Go fish.
Go on.
Do you have a 3?
Oh.
Oh, me?
Yes.
And do you have a 4?
All right, here we go.
Hey, guys.
Sorry, time's up.
But I got to get
these guys home.
Cards.
When are you going to come back?
I'll be here for the next visit.
Can you bring mom?
I'll try.
Come on.
Come on, big hugs.
OK.
I'll see you kids, eh?
OK, just wait here a minute.
I'll be right back, OK?
It was really nice to
meet you today, Aberdeen.
Thanks for coming.
OK.
- Thank you, Glennis.
- Yeah.
No, thank you, Boyd.
- See you later.
- See you.
Hey, guys, the kids
are ready for you.
- Yeah.
- Follow me back.
Who the fuck are
those white people?
Is that who has our kids?
They sure love
taking our children
and giving them to white people.
At least we know
the kids are safe.
Why can't they put them
with a Native family?
I have no control over
where they're placed.
Oh, right.
You were raised by
white people, too.
I had no control
over that either.
Come on.
Let's go.
I'm only riding with you
because you're my only ride.
Alfred!
Alfred, it's just me, Aberdeen.
Alfred!
OK, OK, OK.
Why always banging
on the freaking door
like that, Aberdeen?
The fuck?
Oh, my God.
Put on some clothes, boy.
Oh, shit.
Why is it so dark in here?
Open the blind or something.
Fuck off.
Jeez.
Hey!
Hello, hey.
Hey, where's Alfred?
Hey, where's Alfred?
I said.
You're a real, sickening
bitch sometimes.
Do you know that?
Where's Alfred?
Alfred!
Aberdeen!
My friend.
Hey!
Holy.
Are you high or what?
No, just clean.
It's time you showered.
Did you eat my chicken,
you dirty bastard?
Babe, I was hungry.
It was there.
You were hungry?
Heck, you take everything
from me, my painkillers, now my chicken.
What else are you
going to take from me?
You're going to kill me.
Don't be a dramatic queen.
Hey, how about this?
I'll get you some more chicken.
With what?
His money?
Shut up.
What are you even doing here?
You really want to know?
Not really, no.
Yeah, I do.
I just got out of
the drunk tank.
My brother came for me.
I lost all my IDs.
He told me he's
sick, and he couldn't
take care of my grandchildren.
Now, they're in
the fucking system.
Are you OK?
Yeah.
I just need a new ID.
Where can I get a
new status card?
How the hell would I know?
I'm a white boy.
Indigenous Affairs.
That's where.
OK, let's go then.
- Get ready.
- OK.
OK.
How about you have
a good day, you two.
OK, how about I go with you?
Fuck's sakes.
We'll make a day out of it.
Don't stay in there very long.
I'm timing you.
And I don't want
to hear any noise.
Duh.
I hear that!
Just kind of needed
a little extra sleep,
and now we're going
to a fucking--
Shut up.
Whew.
Looking good, looking good.
With mercy.
Woo-hoo!
Either I get the fuck out of
here
or just fucking go or--
OK, let's go.
Let's go.
Let's go.
Where are we going?
It's closed.
No.
It can't be, Aberdeen.
It's the middle of the damn day.
Well, it's locked.
Try knocking.
Holy.
You have issues.
Fuck.
The hell do you
think you're doing?
We're here to get a status card.
Really? Well, you're out of
luck because this is not
the location this week.
What does that even mean?
It means locations to apply for
status cards are changed weekly.
Well, that doesn't make any
sense because how would anyone
ever know where they were then?
Yeah.
Can we talk to someone
in charge, please?
Do you have an appointment?
Yes.
With who?
Are you fucking kidding me?
Let me speak to somebody
in charge right now,
or I'm calling the cops.
OK, what is going on here?
OK, so-- hi.
So this asshole right here won't
give Aberdeen her status card,
so maybe you can.
OK, OK.
I'll take it from here.
Who the fuck are you?
My name is Maggie.
I'm the secretary here
at Indigenous Affairs.
Oh, well, maybe you can help us.
We are looking to acquire
a status card here today.
Yeah, well, I'm really sorry,
but we don't hand out cards
here, so that will
be impossible.
What we do is your application
to get a card here,
and then we send your
application to Ottawa.
Well, let's do that then.
But do you have an appointment?
Yes.
OK.
Can I please see some ID?
That's why I'm here.
OK, so you have no other
forms of identification?
I said that's why I'm here.
OK.
OK.
Before you can get
an appointment,
you need some form of ID, OK?
When you have the
appropriate identification,
please call the
number on the website.
Leave your name and your number
where you can be reached.
It usually takes us about
a month to get back to you,
OK, to set a date
for the appointment.
It takes about three months to
prove that your First Nations
person.
And after that,
after proven, you
will have your status
card mailed out to you.
You're fucking kidding me.
That's the protocol.
OK?
Have a nice day.
Bitch.
That was really, really
nice meeting you, too.
Hey, wait a second just got--
Come on.
I've got an idea.
Oh, my God.
I'm sleepy.
I didn't get to sleep when
you brought me up earlier.
I need at least my 12 hours.
Oh, my God.
12 hours?
Yeah, 12 hours.
Fuck's sake.
I'm sorry.
I want my skin to look good.
Like mine.
Fuck, no.
Not like you.
Go wait over there.
Go on.
Next, please.
Good afternoon.
How can I help you today?
Yeah, hi.
I want to replace
my Manitoba ID.
I lost mine.
OK, well, that
shouldn't be a problem.
However, there is a $10 charge.
OK.
Do you have a driver's
license or any other form
of identification?
I don't have an ID.
I need an ID to get an ID.
So how the fuck am I supposed
to get an ID if I can't fucking
get an ID from you, huh?
Fuck you!
I can't help you.
Oh, fuck off.
Fucking asshole didn't
help me, either.
Fuck.
Come on, let's go.
Fuck you!
Thank you, my doll.
Can you believe those bitches?
Don't worry.
We'll go back tomorrow and see
if we can see somebody else.
I got $20.
I got, like, 70--
Stop yelling, you dumbass.
Let's go!
Look.
Shut up, man.
Go wait over there.
Go on.
Your boy toy is an idiot.
Of course, he is.
That's the only kind of
boy toys that want me.
They're probably better
off in care anyways, eh?
Who?
My grandkids.
I hated it.
I had no choice, you know?
I was stolen from my
family, fucked me up.
There are some mean people
out there, Aberdeen.
But then again, I grew up being
part of the Sixties Scoop.
For them, it'll be
different, maybe.
So what are you saying?
Should I try and keep them?
I don't know.
You're pretty fucked up.
Oh, yeah.
I think you should
really think about them.
Are they better off with you
or with those white people?
I don't know.
Why don't you get a real job?
If you can stand out here
begging for money all day,
you can find a damn job.
Why don't you shut your
asshole face, you stupid bitch?
Fuck you.
Fuck you too.
Kiss it.
Yeah, fucking kiss
it, stupid bitch.
You just a bunch of
savages, all you people.
- Fuck you.
- Shit, Raven.
Pick up that money.
You two are so stupid.
Do you want to get
put in jail or what?
Damn idiots.
Let's go.
Hey, hey!
Let's go down to the river.
Maybe I dropped my IDs there.
Hey!
OK.
Come on, let's go.
Your IDs, they're not here.
Are you sure this is
where you were, Aberdeen?
Oh, no, I was drunk.
Where else could you
have dropped your IDs?
If I knew that, Alfred,
I'd have them by now.
Holy.
You don't want to have to
take that tone with me.
I'm trying to help you.
Why don't you just ask one
of the people in the tent?
Shut up, boy.
OK.
Yeah, that's nice.
We should go back to the
motel where I was staying.
Maybe I left my old
status card there.
Yeah, you got kicked out
of there, though, right?
Who the fuck asked you?
It should have a lost and found.
It's treaty days.
Let's go get our treaty
money before they close.
Alfred, you need a treaty
card to get treaty money.
You guys go.
I'll meet you there later.
OK.
Let's go, babe.
OK, fucking God.
Fuck it.
Fuck it.
Front desk, Morris speaking.
How may I help you?
Certainly, I'll connect you.
Oh, my God.
Hey, Morris, right?
Aberdeen, you know
you can't be here.
I'm not here to cause trouble.
Aberdeen, if I get caught
talking to you, I'll be fired.
If you could please leave.
No.
I need you to see if my IDs
were left in my old room.
Hello, Jerry.
You can't do that.
Just look in my room and
see if I left papers or IDs.
Please, Morris.
You don't understand.
This is an emergency.
You promise to
leave if I find out.
Promise.
So how've you been?
Busy?
Me, I've been so
busy with everything.
Holy smokes.
Nothing's been reported.
What the fuck?
What did you do with
all my shit then?
Well, if nobody collects
any leftover items,
we donate them to goodwill.
Goodwill?
You gave all my fucking
shit to goodwill,
photos of my grandchildren?
For real.
Isn't that a fucking
crime or something?
Aberdeen, you
abandoned your items.
Well, thanks for
nothing, Morris.
And for your information,
I didn't abandon my stuff.
I got kicked out.
So basically, you
stole my fucking shit.
You crooks.
I'm taking this plant.
You made it.
Any luck?
What's with the ugly plant?
Let's say it's a
keepsake from the motel.
I spent the last four
years of my life.
- Hmm.
- Here.
- Hold it.
- No, that's OK.
- You can hold it.
- Hold the damn plant, boy toy.
I can't believe
you're still in line.
Holy.
Settle down.
We're next.
Good day.
Can I get your
first and last name
along with your band
and band number, please?
Alfred Crate,
River Bay First Nation,
And this is my
son, Calvin Crate.
He's 15, same band,
That's him right
there, Calvin Crate.
That's him.
Well, aren't you
a tall young man?
Yes.
OK. Can I have your
status cards, please.
Calvin, do you have yours?
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Just get the old Statorino card.
Oh, fuck.
Oh, I forgot it.
I forgot it.
Aw.
Is there any way you can allow
me to pick his treaty money up
for him?
- Ow.
- Oh.
My back.
Dad, your back.
His bad back.
OK, I'm going to
give you your money
this year because you haven't
picked it up in some time.
But next year, you have to
bring your status cards,
or you won't be able
to pick up any money.
Mm-hmm, mm-hmm.
Now, it's been two
years that you haven't
picked up your money, Alfred.
You'll be getting $12 today.
And it looks as though Calvin
hasn't picked up anything yet,
so you'll be
receiving $90 today.
All right.
Hello.
Aberdeen Spence.
Thanks, Ms. Spence.
Can I have your
status card, please?
Sorry.
Here's the thing.
I lost all my IDs,
including my status card.
I'm so sorry, but I can't
give you any treaty money
without some sort
of identification.
My God, it's a lousy $6.
I'm so sorry, but
I could get fired.
You just gave Alfred
money for the kid.
Alfred had an ID, and that
was his son who was under age.
Had the young boy
come on his own,
I would have asked him to
bring a parent back with him
to pick up his money.
My God, can you believe this?
Can't fucking believe this.
Aberdeen, if you
come back with an ID
with your name and your photo,
I will get you your money.
Unfortunately, there's just
nothing I can do for you today.
- Sorry.
- Yeah, whatever.
OK, thanks.
Alfred!
Over here.
Excuse me.
Oh, God, how the
heck did you do that?
You don't even have a son.
That's the name of
my sister's kid.
They never pick up
their treaty money.
Look, you're deadly.
I know.
I'm just a real proud Indian.
Oh, yeah, pretty deadly.
Oh, stop.
Hell's sakes.
I feel so pissed.
Don't worry, babe.
I'm taking care of you tonight.
Let's go.
I don't want to hold this
fucking plant anymore.
Calvin Crate.
- Calvin Crate.
- My son.
The white fuck--
My son.
Cheers to you, Dad.
My plastic pant.
That's a plastic pant.
You're already drunk.
It's a plastic plant.
Judy.
Judy the plant.
Oh, so pretty.
She's got nice hair.
200 years?
It's been $6?
We should demand a raise.
A lot of raise!
Oh, yes.
- Well, I fucking want my money.
- Thank you, $5.
Oh, my God.
Lick it up.
Lick it up.
Watch it!
Oh, my God.
I maybe drunk.
Christ.
Bless you guys more.
I'm going to go now.
Fuck.
Who the hell do
you think you are?
You think you're some
fucking king or what?
You think you're better than me?
Look, I'm going to call the cops
if you don't get the hell out
of here.
Call the cops then.
All I wanted was my status card.
And you won't even let me.
Sick and tired of people
like you keeping us down,
treating us like
we're worth nothing
on our own land stolen from us.
Where's my bottle?
Holding back our identity,
holding back our grandkids,
stealing our children.
Shame on you.
I'm calling the cops.
Go ahead, call the cops.
All I wanted was my
status card, you prick.
Yo, lady, go back to the Res
and get your status card.
Hey, you.
Yeah no, no, no.
I see you.
You know you're banned
for life, right?
Get off the premises.
- Fuck off.
- Get off the premises right now.
- Fuck you.
- Get the hell out of here right now.
- Fuck you!
- Right now.
- Get out of--
- I don't want to be
- by your stinking store anyways.
- Get out of here!
Hey!
Hey, you!
Hey!
You're from Peguis, right?
You're from Peguis?
Yeah.
Yeah, I'm from Peguis, too.
Hey, I think I remember
seeing you around.
You remember me?
I don't think I do.
- What's your name?
- Aberdeen.
Aberdeen Spence.
Aberdeen Spence.
Sorry, I don't think
I remember you.
I live not too far from
your mom and dad's.
I lived in one of those
houses that got flooded out,
and we got evacuated.
Oh, Aberdeen.
Yeah, yeah, I do remember you.
Wow, it's been a while.
So how you been?
Oh, you know, mostly good.
Today, though, was
kind of shitty.
Sorry to hear that.
Yeah, thanks.
Hey, I was actually
looking for a bit of help.
Oh, for sure.
Thanks.
Are you headed back home?
Yeah, just going to
pack up and head out.
Can I catch a ride?
I have to get to the Band
Office because I need a new ID.
Just lost all my shit.
I'll give you $20.
I'm pretty packed.
I'll even ride in the
back of the truck.
Please, you don't know
how bad I need a new ID.
Please, man.
I guess I could.
Go ahead.
Jump in.
Aw, thanks.
You're a lifesaver.
Yes, yeah.
Thanks again, eh?
Yeah, no problem.
Man, it's been a long
time since I've been back.
Are you going to buy me
a cup of coffee, too, eh?
Yeah, you could use it.
Hey.
Hello.
Can I crash here for the night?
Yeah.
Come in.
All right, then.
Thanks, eh.
Hey, you got any hangover
soup, or bannock, or anything?
Something.
There something.
- Yeah, let me look.
- Yeah?
Just in time for lunch.
Holy, my baby.
Now, we missed you.
Can we talk about this later?
I'm not in the mood right now.
We were having fun.
Now, can you please
speak English?
We want Aberdeen to
only speak English.
You know that.
Why are you like this, huh?
Mom. That's enough.
Come on, you two.
Not in front of Abby.
Let's go.
I'll get Boyd.
Huh?
Leave them with us.
Mom, no.
It's full of friends,
Mom, not just people.
We wouldn't leave
her with just anyone.
Okay. Let's go, Abby.
Oh, I thought you
were still sleeping.
I went for a walk.
So I made coffee.
There's some bread and
some eggs in the fridge
if you want to make
an egg sandwich.
Yeah, maybe later.
All right.
Well, I'm going to church
soon if you want to come.
I can't.
I have to be at the Band
Office this morning.
Then I got to find a
ride back to the city.
You're not going to
stay another night?
I can't.
Mhm.
I was hoping that I
could have a shower.
Do you mind?
I don't want to be that late.
Well, can I have a
shower and then leave?
I'll make sure the door
is locked before I go.
You won't take anything.
Holy.
No, I'm not going
to take anything.
My God.
OK, fine.
Just make sure that
the door is locked.
I told you I was
going to lock it.
And if you make anything, make
sure everything's turned off.
Holy.
I'm not a kid, you know?
Well, you're definitely
not the right age
to be a child, that's for sure.
It's nice to see
you out here, Abby.
Yeah.
OK, OK.
I'm off.
Hello.
Good morning.
Morning.
I'm just trying to
get a new status card,
and I wonder if you
guys make those here.
Yes, we do.
But the office is
closed until 10:00 AM.
Oh, is that normal?
Our members administrator's
traveling back from the city.
But he'll be here in an hour.
OK.
See you in an hour.
Aberdeen?
Who's asking?
Grace.
Grace Travers.
Holy shit.
Gracie?
Yeah.
Oh, my God.
Hi.
Jeez.
How long has it been?
Like 20 years.
Wow.
What are you doing here?
I do accounting for
the Band part time.
Oh, look at you, ever fancy.
What are you doing here?
Well, I'm trying to
get a status card,
but I have to wait for an hour.
Why don't you come hang out
at my house then and catch up?
We'll have a coffee.
I'll bring you back.
- OK.
- Yeah.
- Over here.
- That'd be nice, catch-up.
Yeah, just take off your shoes.
OK.
Do you want a drink?
Beer would be nice.
I was thinking
more, like, coffee.
I have some on
from this morning.
So yeah, a lot of stuff
happening around here.
We have a new community center.
Ooh.
Yeah.
They're adding on to the mall.
Wow.
Yeah.
We have a new subway going in.
A subway?
Yeah.
Now, I can get a 12
inch any time I want.
My God, Gracie,
you're still dirty.
Oh, my God.
Oh, it's Britney
my grandson's Ojibwe and Cree.
Aw, they are very cute.
Jeez, I wonder what happened.
Stop.
Yeah.
I have three
grandbabies myself, eh.
Hmm.
Yeah.
They stay with Boyd, eh?
Mm-hmm.
How is he?
I heard he was not doing
so well with his health.
Yeah, he couldn't take
care of the grandkids,
so he let foster care
take them for a while.
I'm sorry.
Is that what you're doing here,
to try to get them out of care,
help with your brother?
You got a really
beautiful place.
Thank you.
Me and Saul just got it.
We, I guess, had enough of the
city and decided to come home.
So we bought this house.
Wow.
I have a bag of clothes that
I was going to give away.
Do you want to
take a look on it?
- Sure.
- OK.
Ooh.
We're still about
the same size, eh?
- Now, let's see.
- Hmm.
Oh.
Panic bomb for me, not for you.
Yeah, well, some
of us are blessed.
What can I say?
Holy, lots of clothes.
So where's your daughter at?
How's she doing?
Oh, I haven't seen
her in over a year.
I actually don't
know where she is.
Can I try these on?
Yeah, yeah, it's just down
the hall to your left.
OK.
Come on.
Real fancy, huh?
Wow, looks good.
I know, eh.
And see, I told you.
Yeah, a bit loose on the butt.
Just a little bit.
Just put your stuff down.
I'll give you a
bag for that later.
OK.
Come sit.
I'm soaking up every
minute of this visit.
All right, eh.
What the heck?
You need a new
pair of socks, too?
Yeah, why not?
Jeez.
You got any?
Yes.
Go get it then.
I've got a couple pairs.
Go get me a sock.
Go on over there.
Go get it over there.
Go on.
Hi, Jesse.
Oh, hi, Grace.
How are you?
Good.
This is Aberdeen.
She needs a new status card.
Hi, nice to meet you, Aberdeen.
You, too.
Please take a seat.
This is Frank and Landy's boy.
Holy heck.
I know your parents.
- Yeah?
- Yeah.
I haven't seen them
in a long time.
How are they doing?
Good.
Yeah, dad's well.
He's a counselor here now.
And mom is still
teaching at the school.
Wow, counselor.
I'll bow.
Royalty on the Res.
No, not even.
But are you both
getting status card?
Oh, no, just Aberdeen.
OK.
All right.
Can I just get your
full name entry number?
Aberdeen Spence, 256695507.
And you're from Peguis?
I sure am.
Do you have a picture ID?
No, I don't.
She's from here.
OK.
I'm just going to need
to take a picture.
Actually, Aberdeen, if I
could get you near that wall
just there, that would be great.
OK.
Thank you, Grace.
All right.
And there you are.
Cute.
Oh, that looks good
on you, that shirt.
Eh, thanks.
We're ready to go?
Yeah.
Hey, say hi
to your mom and dad. - Yeah.
Make sure you tell them I'm
still alive, chicken squawking,
eh.
I'll let them know.
- Thank you.
- Of course.
OK, where to?
Just drop me off on the highway.
I have to get back
into the city.
You're hitchhiking in Winnipeg?
Sure am.
Hell, no, you're not.
Just one second.
Jeez.
Hi.
So I'm going to take a
quick ride into the city.
Do you need anything?
Yeah, I'm going to
take a friend back.
Maybe grab something for the
grandbabies while I'm there.
OK.
Yes.
Love you.
Bye.
OK, let's go on a road trip.
Holy.
Thank you.
Buckle up.
OK, let's crank
on the tunes, eh.
I hope you like musicals.
My God.
I think I'm going to walk instead.
Oops, you know how to drive?
Yeah, I did.
I took classes.
I do know how to drive.
And I do this drive a lot.
It was one of
those times I wanted to cry
So I went out and got me a hat
A hat
Well the hat was a treat and
it made me look sweet
It'll find me a love at last
This is-- It's so bad.
I'm never going to listen
to a bloody musical again.
Oh, my God.
You loved every minute of it.
I know it.
I saw you singing.
OK, it's raining.
Do you want me to wait?
It's Winnipeg.
I'll be good.
OK, give me a hug.
OK, don't get sentimental.
Come on.
OK.
It was good to see you.
And don't forget,
don't be a stranger.
Yeah.
See you.
Mm-hmm.
I can wait.
It's not a problem.
Go on.
I want to take my
grandbabies home.
They belong with me.
I wish it were that simple.
Why can't it be?
I'm their kookum.
I'm the best person
they need to be with.
Well, let's talk about
what we need to put
into place to make that happen.
First, you're going to
need a permanent residence
to house you and the children.
Do you have that?
Not yet.
Well, we'll have to
get that into place
so that I can assess you as
a placement for the children.
And secondly, you are going
to need an income that
can give you security.
Do you have that?
No, but I will.
And thirdly, you
are going to have
to go to some sort of
rehabilitation center.
I can get you a number
to call for an addiction
center for women.
Do you know where
my daughter is?
Pritchard no longer lives
at the address on file.
I don't know where she is.
They belong with family.
Yeah, they do
belong with family.
But I also know that they
belong in a safe environment.
Sorry.
No, thanks.
I really do want to
help you, Aberdeen.
OK.
Who is it?
Aberdeen.
Where'd you go?
Get thrown in the drunk
tank again or what?
Are you going to church?
Shut up.
Yeah.
You just took off on us.
I went to Peguis.
Peguis.
What the hell for?
For a brand-new, Band-made
status card, baby.
Hey!
Awesome.
You got a new status card!
I know.
Woo-hoo.
Trying to see if I
can use it to get
me one of those fancy
white status cards, eh.
Come on.
What the fuck?
Pervert!
Oh, my God.
I didn't know you were
naked under there.
Come on, let's go.
I'll wait for you outside.
OK, won't be long.
OK, hurry up.
And don't you guys fuck around.
No one's going to
fuck anything, OK?
I'm going to wait.
Counting, I'm counting out here.
Jeez.
Holes, babe?
Yes, definitely holes.
You guys just wait right here.
OK.
Good luck.
I'm here to see Maggie.
Look--
I got an ID.
Wait here.
Hello again.
Now, can I apply for
a new status card.
No.
What the hell do you mean no?
You told me if I came
back with identification,
I could apply for a new card.
No, that is not what I said.
Yes, it is.
No, I told you needed
appropriate identification.
And then I told you to call
the number on the website,
make an appointment.
Did you do that?
No.
And this is appropriate.
OK.
Can I have a paper
and pen, please?
Yeah.
All my friends have this.
It should be good enough.
Look at it.
You need to phone this number.
And you need to
follow the directions.
OK.
I hate those Indigenous
Affairs' bitches.
Just call the number.
Give her your phone.
Babe, I'm almost out of
minutes, though, so--
Give me your damn phone.
OK, OK.
Cheap.
Ha, ha, ha.
Fuck.
Thank you for calling
Indigenous Affairs.
All of our lines
are currently busy.
Please stay on the line for
an available representative.
Your estimated wait
time is 45 minutes.
Here.
Your phone died.
What?
No, it didn't die.
You wasted my minutes.
Now you know what Alfred feels.
Why are you really
doing this, Aberdeen?
All this for a status card?
Because I need it.
Why?
Because I deserve it.
I see you guys
in there! I see you!
Aberdeen, stop it.
Aberdeen, stop it!
So I just let them win?
They always win, Alfred.
How am I supposed to take
care of my grandchildren
when I can't even
fucking get an ID?
It's OK.
It's not OK.
- It is OK.
- What?
You have every right in the
world to be angry, pissed off.
But sometimes it
just doesn't work.
And if you want to look
after your grandchildren,
take care of them, you'll
have to live with the system.
Play the game, play
by their rules.
Oh, no.
Fuck's sakes.
They called the fucking cops.
Make sure you call Boyd.
I will.
We got a problem?
No.
No problem.
We got a call about
an Indigenous woman
causing a disturbance.
Oh, that's nice.
Step aside, sir.
I said step aside.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Step back.
I said step back.
Let's go.
Make sure you call Boyd.
- Let's go.
- I will.
Why don't you talk to the
fucking bitches in there?
Because we were just
going for a card.
And if they would
have just cooperated,
then we wouldn't even
be in this situation. Maybe you can--
Shut your mouth.
I was just doing what
you told me to do.
I did not tell you
to do this, Aberdeen.
You told me to take
charge of my life.
I told you to grow up.
You're more lost now than ever.
I'm starting to see now
why Pritchard ran away.
Pritchard didn't run away.
How can you fucking say that?
She left in the
middle of the night
without telling anyone
where she was going.
You thought she
was dead for a year
before I told you that she
called me to pick up her kids.
And she told me not to
tell you where she was.
Do you know where she is?
Of course, I do.
Where is she?
God, you're-- as fucked up as
she is, Pritchard was right.
You can't even take
care of yourself.
How could you take
care of those kids?
Pritchard said they'd be
better off in foster care.
And I believe her.
Where the fuck is my daughter?
You're so fucking selfish.
Where the fuck is my daughter?
Fuck.
I'm not telling you.
Give me this fucking phone.
And don't you fucking follow me.
Don't you.
Fuck.
Fuck.
Hello?
Pritchard.
What are you doing
here, Aberdeen?
How did you get this address?
I stole uncle's phone.
Well, you need to leave.
I just wanted to see you.
Well, I want nothing
to do with you.
I'm sorry, Pritchard.
For what?
For the abuse?
For the neglect?
Pick one.
For everything.
Stop with the fucking bullshit.
Your kids need you.
I know that.
I'm not fucking stupid.
What?
You think I can take care of my kids like this?
I'm fucking useless.
You could.
No, I can't, Aberdeen.
And you made sure of that, huh?
I wish I had a mom who
wasn't such a fuck-up,
and then I wouldn't
be a fuck-up.
The reason I am the way
that I am is because of you.
What?
Were you going to cry?
Go ahead, cry.
I don't give a fuck.
Get the fuck out of my house.
And don't you fucking come back!
Hey.
What are you doing?
Nothing.
Where's Raven?
In jail because of you.
Well, he was just using you
for your money and your meds
anyways.
Oh, nice.
Just get the hell out.
Did you not hear me?
I have my own
problems to deal with.
I do not want to
deal with yours.
Just get the hell out!
Fuck you, too.
You're a mess, Aberdeen,
a fucking mess.
What are you doing?
What the fuck are you doing?
What the fuck are you doing?
How do you know?
Okay.
It's okay.
It's okay, it's okay.
I didn't ask you to save me.
You're right.
You don't know what
I've been through.
No, I don't.
Why don't you tell me?
Shut up.
You're from Peguis, right?
How do you know where I'm from?
I'm from Peguis, too.
Who's your mom and dad?
Gary and Lori.
For real?
Our parents partied together.
So why were you trying
to jump off that bridge?
I don't know what I'm doing.
Everything I touch
turns to shit.
My daughter hates me.
She should.
I wasn't good to her.
We all make mistakes.
We're humans.
But we can't give up.
I've been meaning to
give these to you.
Where'd you get these?
You dropped them the
other day when you
were running from the police.
I figured you needed them,
so I held on to them for you.
Yeah.
Thanks.
I'm happy to return them.
I've got to go.
Where are you going?
To get my daughter back.
Can I come?
Sure.
Suit yourself.
Pritchard.
Pritchard.
Pritchard!
My God.
Pritchard!
Wake up!
Wake up, wake up!
No.
Get help.
Get help!
No!
Wake up, Pritchard.
Mom is here.
I will never leave you again.
I'm sorry.
I left you.
Mom is here.
My baby.
Come on.
No.
I'm going to take a walk.
I like him.
Me, too.
Where'd you meet?
He saved my life today.
He stopped me from
jumping off a bridge.
You were going to
jump off a bridge?
Yep.
Fuck.
Crazy sister.
I killed my baby, Boyd.
No, you didn't.
She died of an overdose.
No.
I've been killing her
since the day she was born.
I'm a terrible mom.
I let things around her
that changed her forever.
And I didn't even notice.
I didn't even try to.
I'm going to save my grandkids.
I'm going to do
it for Pritchard.
How do I do it?
Look at me.
You're already doing it, sis.
You're asking for help.
Little brother.
Aberdeen, I came
as soon as I heard.
I'm so sorry, my friend.
Be a dear and pay the taxi.
Oh, my friend, my
sweet, sweet friend.
Aberdeen, I'm so
sorry for your loss.
Thank you.
I'll take that phone number now.
All right, come here.
Come, put your flowers down.
OK, come on.
Back to the car with you, brats.
Oh, thank you, my girl.
Aberdeen,
Catch a big one, Mushroom.
Yeah, she's female, 40s to 60s.
Yeah, she's Brown.
Hey, you can't be here.
Hey, come on.
Let's go.
You can't be sleeping here.
Let's go.
Get up.
You can't kick me like that.
We weren't kicking you.
You have to get up and go home.
You can't be sleeping here.
Now she's awake.
You can send them.
Let's go.
No, no, you can't be
drinking in public.
Come on.
What?
Kicking me is what I felt.
No.
Hey, come on.
- No.
- Come on.
That's enough.
Come on.
Don't touch me.
You can't touch me like that.
Get up.
Get up.
Cops are going to come
pick you up and take
you someplace to
sleep this off, OK?
OK?
- Do you hear me?
- I can't hear you.
- Come here.
- What?
Shit.
Go, you Aberdeen.
You crazy bitch!
I'm seeing it.
Hey!
Get your fucking hands off me.
Why don't you
bother someone else?
It's my own fucking land.
And I kicked him in the balls.
They booked it the
hell out of there.
Fuck, you're crazy.
Well, that's what they get
for kicking me, trying to hack
and say they weren't kicking me.
A fucking joke.
Right.
Fuck.
You think they're
going to charge you?
I don't give a shit.
Fucking dirty pigs!
Let me lose my IDs.
Oh.
Heck, my head is sore.
Hey!
Hey, when can I
make my phone call?
I got to call my
brother to come get me.
When we have the time, we'll
take you to your phone call.
Right now, sit down and shut up.
Ugly ass!
You are on fire.
Come on.
Phone's right there.
Can make your call in here.
You're just going to
stand there or what?
I'll be outside.
Go then.
Mr. Spence.
Hi.
Oh.
Well, the results are in.
I'm very sorry, but
it doesn't look good.
Yeah, I figured.
How much time?
Three to six months.
I'm sorry.
Do you mind?
No, go ahead.
Hello?
Boyd, I'm in jail.
You got to come get me.
They threw me in a drunk tank.
Heck, I wasn't even that drunk.
Aberdeen, you can't
keep doing this.
It's the last time.
I promise.
And I lost all my IDs, so you
got to come tell them who I am.
Hello?
Hello?
I got to go.
Can we schedule a follow-up?
Sure.
I'll call.
This fucking place.
Your sister's lucky she's
not facing criminal charges
for what she did.
Aberdeen's had a tough
life, broken home,
drug-addicted daughter.
She had to leave Peguis
because of the flooding.
She's been living in motels
for the last few years.
She was recently evicted
from the last one she was in.
I want to apologize
for any inconvenience
she may have caused.
I understand she's not the
most cooperative person.
I've been trying to get my
sister to come to the church
and find God.
I think if she let
God into her life,
she could do wonderful things.
You're a man of the Lord.
I am.
He saved me from myself.
I was not far from where
Aberdeen is right now,
but I let the Lord into
my life, and he saved me.
Between you and me,
I think she has a demon,
a bitter demon.
They all do.
Come in.
All right, sir.
Yeah.
You can meet her up
front in a minute.
Thanks, Larry.
Thank you.
Thank you.
God bless you and your family.
Tell your sister to
stay out of trouble.
I will.
Can you believe those guys
putting me in a drunk tank,
making me lose all my IDs?
What's with you?
What's wrong with you?
Why do you act like this?
Do you realize I've been trying
to reach you for the last month?
Yeah, roll your eyes.
Fuck's sakes.
I'm sorry.
I know.
So why were you trying
to get a hold of me?
The kids are in foster care.
They're in the city.
You need to come home.
It's time to grow up.
Why did you give them up?
Because I'm sick, Aberdeen.
I can't care for them.
I've been sick for a while.
It's cancer.
Oh, gosh, you stink.
You're not so fresh yourself.
Come home, Aberdeen.
I'm not a good mom.
I failed Pritchard.
I'll fail again.
Pritchard's an adult.
She made her own choices.
But her kids need you.
At least come with
me to see them.
I have a scheduled
visit with them today.
It's been a long time since
you've seen them last.
I have to be
somewhere in an hour.
OK, OK.
Hi, Boyd.
Nice to see you again.
You too.
Hey, Aberdeen.
And you must be the koo--
kookum.
"Koo-kom."
Sorry?
It's pronounced "koo-kom."
Oh, "koo-kom."
OK, good.
How are you?
OK.
Well, the kids just
arrived for your visit,
so please take a seat.
Someone will be with you.
Do you have to act like that?
What?
Like you don't want to be here.
I don't want to be here.
You know why?
We knock.
Well, fake it.
We're here to see the kids not
so you can act like an ass.
OK.
So I'll see you in
about 45 minutes, OK?
Yeah, thank you.
Hello again, Boyd.
How are you?
I'm good.
Thank you.
This is my sister
I told you about.
Oh, Aberdeen, right.
So it's nice to meet you.
I mean, Boyd has said a
lot of things about you.
All good things, I'm sure.
Yeah, all great things.
Let me take you to
see the kids, OK?
Yeah, please follow me.
How are you doing?
I'm good.
That's good.
Kids are excited to see you.
- Me, too.
- Yeah.
Oh, and by the way, this is my
office, so if you need anything,
I'll be right in there.
OK.
And it's just down this way.
OK.
Hey, kids, I got a visitor.
Hey.
Old Boyd.
Hey, Alfie.
Hey, kids.
Look, look, look, look
who came to visit.
Hey.
I thought you bring mom.
Mom was sick.
You've gone so tall.
Holy.
And you kids are so big.
You've grown so much.
OK, you guys have a nice visit.
I'll be back, OK?
So how have you guys been?
- Been good.
- Good.
- Yeah.
- Yeah.
And you, what grade
are you in now?
Grade 10.
Oh, really?
I'm really happy to be here.
We start with 6, 6, 5, 5, 3.
- What?
- Yes.
- OK.
- It's my turn.
It's your turn.
That's not how this game works.
- It's working.
- Because she's winning.
She's winning.
That's right.
- No, go ahead.
- Go ahead.
Do you have a 7?
Me or him?
- You.
- OK.
No, I don't.
Go fish.
Go on.
Do you have a 3?
Oh.
Oh, me?
Yes.
And do you have a 4?
All right, here we go.
Hey, guys.
Sorry, time's up.
But I got to get
these guys home.
Cards.
When are you going to come back?
I'll be here for the next visit.
Can you bring mom?
I'll try.
Come on.
Come on, big hugs.
OK.
I'll see you kids, eh?
OK, just wait here a minute.
I'll be right back, OK?
It was really nice to
meet you today, Aberdeen.
Thanks for coming.
OK.
- Thank you, Glennis.
- Yeah.
No, thank you, Boyd.
- See you later.
- See you.
Hey, guys, the kids
are ready for you.
- Yeah.
- Follow me back.
Who the fuck are
those white people?
Is that who has our kids?
They sure love
taking our children
and giving them to white people.
At least we know
the kids are safe.
Why can't they put them
with a Native family?
I have no control over
where they're placed.
Oh, right.
You were raised by
white people, too.
I had no control
over that either.
Come on.
Let's go.
I'm only riding with you
because you're my only ride.
Alfred!
Alfred, it's just me, Aberdeen.
Alfred!
OK, OK, OK.
Why always banging
on the freaking door
like that, Aberdeen?
The fuck?
Oh, my God.
Put on some clothes, boy.
Oh, shit.
Why is it so dark in here?
Open the blind or something.
Fuck off.
Jeez.
Hey!
Hello, hey.
Hey, where's Alfred?
Hey, where's Alfred?
I said.
You're a real, sickening
bitch sometimes.
Do you know that?
Where's Alfred?
Alfred!
Aberdeen!
My friend.
Hey!
Holy.
Are you high or what?
No, just clean.
It's time you showered.
Did you eat my chicken,
you dirty bastard?
Babe, I was hungry.
It was there.
You were hungry?
Heck, you take everything
from me, my painkillers, now my chicken.
What else are you
going to take from me?
You're going to kill me.
Don't be a dramatic queen.
Hey, how about this?
I'll get you some more chicken.
With what?
His money?
Shut up.
What are you even doing here?
You really want to know?
Not really, no.
Yeah, I do.
I just got out of
the drunk tank.
My brother came for me.
I lost all my IDs.
He told me he's
sick, and he couldn't
take care of my grandchildren.
Now, they're in
the fucking system.
Are you OK?
Yeah.
I just need a new ID.
Where can I get a
new status card?
How the hell would I know?
I'm a white boy.
Indigenous Affairs.
That's where.
OK, let's go then.
- Get ready.
- OK.
OK.
How about you have
a good day, you two.
OK, how about I go with you?
Fuck's sakes.
We'll make a day out of it.
Don't stay in there very long.
I'm timing you.
And I don't want
to hear any noise.
Duh.
I hear that!
Just kind of needed
a little extra sleep,
and now we're going
to a fucking--
Shut up.
Whew.
Looking good, looking good.
With mercy.
Woo-hoo!
Either I get the fuck out of
here
or just fucking go or--
OK, let's go.
Let's go.
Let's go.
Where are we going?
It's closed.
No.
It can't be, Aberdeen.
It's the middle of the damn day.
Well, it's locked.
Try knocking.
Holy.
You have issues.
Fuck.
The hell do you
think you're doing?
We're here to get a status card.
Really? Well, you're out of
luck because this is not
the location this week.
What does that even mean?
It means locations to apply for
status cards are changed weekly.
Well, that doesn't make any
sense because how would anyone
ever know where they were then?
Yeah.
Can we talk to someone
in charge, please?
Do you have an appointment?
Yes.
With who?
Are you fucking kidding me?
Let me speak to somebody
in charge right now,
or I'm calling the cops.
OK, what is going on here?
OK, so-- hi.
So this asshole right here won't
give Aberdeen her status card,
so maybe you can.
OK, OK.
I'll take it from here.
Who the fuck are you?
My name is Maggie.
I'm the secretary here
at Indigenous Affairs.
Oh, well, maybe you can help us.
We are looking to acquire
a status card here today.
Yeah, well, I'm really sorry,
but we don't hand out cards
here, so that will
be impossible.
What we do is your application
to get a card here,
and then we send your
application to Ottawa.
Well, let's do that then.
But do you have an appointment?
Yes.
OK.
Can I please see some ID?
That's why I'm here.
OK, so you have no other
forms of identification?
I said that's why I'm here.
OK.
OK.
Before you can get
an appointment,
you need some form of ID, OK?
When you have the
appropriate identification,
please call the
number on the website.
Leave your name and your number
where you can be reached.
It usually takes us about
a month to get back to you,
OK, to set a date
for the appointment.
It takes about three months to
prove that your First Nations
person.
And after that,
after proven, you
will have your status
card mailed out to you.
You're fucking kidding me.
That's the protocol.
OK?
Have a nice day.
Bitch.
That was really, really
nice meeting you, too.
Hey, wait a second just got--
Come on.
I've got an idea.
Oh, my God.
I'm sleepy.
I didn't get to sleep when
you brought me up earlier.
I need at least my 12 hours.
Oh, my God.
12 hours?
Yeah, 12 hours.
Fuck's sake.
I'm sorry.
I want my skin to look good.
Like mine.
Fuck, no.
Not like you.
Go wait over there.
Go on.
Next, please.
Good afternoon.
How can I help you today?
Yeah, hi.
I want to replace
my Manitoba ID.
I lost mine.
OK, well, that
shouldn't be a problem.
However, there is a $10 charge.
OK.
Do you have a driver's
license or any other form
of identification?
I don't have an ID.
I need an ID to get an ID.
So how the fuck am I supposed
to get an ID if I can't fucking
get an ID from you, huh?
Fuck you!
I can't help you.
Oh, fuck off.
Fucking asshole didn't
help me, either.
Fuck.
Come on, let's go.
Fuck you!
Thank you, my doll.
Can you believe those bitches?
Don't worry.
We'll go back tomorrow and see
if we can see somebody else.
I got $20.
I got, like, 70--
Stop yelling, you dumbass.
Let's go!
Look.
Shut up, man.
Go wait over there.
Go on.
Your boy toy is an idiot.
Of course, he is.
That's the only kind of
boy toys that want me.
They're probably better
off in care anyways, eh?
Who?
My grandkids.
I hated it.
I had no choice, you know?
I was stolen from my
family, fucked me up.
There are some mean people
out there, Aberdeen.
But then again, I grew up being
part of the Sixties Scoop.
For them, it'll be
different, maybe.
So what are you saying?
Should I try and keep them?
I don't know.
You're pretty fucked up.
Oh, yeah.
I think you should
really think about them.
Are they better off with you
or with those white people?
I don't know.
Why don't you get a real job?
If you can stand out here
begging for money all day,
you can find a damn job.
Why don't you shut your
asshole face, you stupid bitch?
Fuck you.
Fuck you too.
Kiss it.
Yeah, fucking kiss
it, stupid bitch.
You just a bunch of
savages, all you people.
- Fuck you.
- Shit, Raven.
Pick up that money.
You two are so stupid.
Do you want to get
put in jail or what?
Damn idiots.
Let's go.
Hey, hey!
Let's go down to the river.
Maybe I dropped my IDs there.
Hey!
OK.
Come on, let's go.
Your IDs, they're not here.
Are you sure this is
where you were, Aberdeen?
Oh, no, I was drunk.
Where else could you
have dropped your IDs?
If I knew that, Alfred,
I'd have them by now.
Holy.
You don't want to have to
take that tone with me.
I'm trying to help you.
Why don't you just ask one
of the people in the tent?
Shut up, boy.
OK.
Yeah, that's nice.
We should go back to the
motel where I was staying.
Maybe I left my old
status card there.
Yeah, you got kicked out
of there, though, right?
Who the fuck asked you?
It should have a lost and found.
It's treaty days.
Let's go get our treaty
money before they close.
Alfred, you need a treaty
card to get treaty money.
You guys go.
I'll meet you there later.
OK.
Let's go, babe.
OK, fucking God.
Fuck it.
Fuck it.
Front desk, Morris speaking.
How may I help you?
Certainly, I'll connect you.
Oh, my God.
Hey, Morris, right?
Aberdeen, you know
you can't be here.
I'm not here to cause trouble.
Aberdeen, if I get caught
talking to you, I'll be fired.
If you could please leave.
No.
I need you to see if my IDs
were left in my old room.
Hello, Jerry.
You can't do that.
Just look in my room and
see if I left papers or IDs.
Please, Morris.
You don't understand.
This is an emergency.
You promise to
leave if I find out.
Promise.
So how've you been?
Busy?
Me, I've been so
busy with everything.
Holy smokes.
Nothing's been reported.
What the fuck?
What did you do with
all my shit then?
Well, if nobody collects
any leftover items,
we donate them to goodwill.
Goodwill?
You gave all my fucking
shit to goodwill,
photos of my grandchildren?
For real.
Isn't that a fucking
crime or something?
Aberdeen, you
abandoned your items.
Well, thanks for
nothing, Morris.
And for your information,
I didn't abandon my stuff.
I got kicked out.
So basically, you
stole my fucking shit.
You crooks.
I'm taking this plant.
You made it.
Any luck?
What's with the ugly plant?
Let's say it's a
keepsake from the motel.
I spent the last four
years of my life.
- Hmm.
- Here.
- Hold it.
- No, that's OK.
- You can hold it.
- Hold the damn plant, boy toy.
I can't believe
you're still in line.
Holy.
Settle down.
We're next.
Good day.
Can I get your
first and last name
along with your band
and band number, please?
Alfred Crate,
River Bay First Nation,
And this is my
son, Calvin Crate.
He's 15, same band,
That's him right
there, Calvin Crate.
That's him.
Well, aren't you
a tall young man?
Yes.
OK. Can I have your
status cards, please.
Calvin, do you have yours?
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Just get the old Statorino card.
Oh, fuck.
Oh, I forgot it.
I forgot it.
Aw.
Is there any way you can allow
me to pick his treaty money up
for him?
- Ow.
- Oh.
My back.
Dad, your back.
His bad back.
OK, I'm going to
give you your money
this year because you haven't
picked it up in some time.
But next year, you have to
bring your status cards,
or you won't be able
to pick up any money.
Mm-hmm, mm-hmm.
Now, it's been two
years that you haven't
picked up your money, Alfred.
You'll be getting $12 today.
And it looks as though Calvin
hasn't picked up anything yet,
so you'll be
receiving $90 today.
All right.
Hello.
Aberdeen Spence.
Thanks, Ms. Spence.
Can I have your
status card, please?
Sorry.
Here's the thing.
I lost all my IDs,
including my status card.
I'm so sorry, but I can't
give you any treaty money
without some sort
of identification.
My God, it's a lousy $6.
I'm so sorry, but
I could get fired.
You just gave Alfred
money for the kid.
Alfred had an ID, and that
was his son who was under age.
Had the young boy
come on his own,
I would have asked him to
bring a parent back with him
to pick up his money.
My God, can you believe this?
Can't fucking believe this.
Aberdeen, if you
come back with an ID
with your name and your photo,
I will get you your money.
Unfortunately, there's just
nothing I can do for you today.
- Sorry.
- Yeah, whatever.
OK, thanks.
Alfred!
Over here.
Excuse me.
Oh, God, how the
heck did you do that?
You don't even have a son.
That's the name of
my sister's kid.
They never pick up
their treaty money.
Look, you're deadly.
I know.
I'm just a real proud Indian.
Oh, yeah, pretty deadly.
Oh, stop.
Hell's sakes.
I feel so pissed.
Don't worry, babe.
I'm taking care of you tonight.
Let's go.
I don't want to hold this
fucking plant anymore.
Calvin Crate.
- Calvin Crate.
- My son.
The white fuck--
My son.
Cheers to you, Dad.
My plastic pant.
That's a plastic pant.
You're already drunk.
It's a plastic plant.
Judy.
Judy the plant.
Oh, so pretty.
She's got nice hair.
200 years?
It's been $6?
We should demand a raise.
A lot of raise!
Oh, yes.
- Well, I fucking want my money.
- Thank you, $5.
Oh, my God.
Lick it up.
Lick it up.
Watch it!
Oh, my God.
I maybe drunk.
Christ.
Bless you guys more.
I'm going to go now.
Fuck.
Who the hell do
you think you are?
You think you're some
fucking king or what?
You think you're better than me?
Look, I'm going to call the cops
if you don't get the hell out
of here.
Call the cops then.
All I wanted was my status card.
And you won't even let me.
Sick and tired of people
like you keeping us down,
treating us like
we're worth nothing
on our own land stolen from us.
Where's my bottle?
Holding back our identity,
holding back our grandkids,
stealing our children.
Shame on you.
I'm calling the cops.
Go ahead, call the cops.
All I wanted was my
status card, you prick.
Yo, lady, go back to the Res
and get your status card.
Hey, you.
Yeah no, no, no.
I see you.
You know you're banned
for life, right?
Get off the premises.
- Fuck off.
- Get off the premises right now.
- Fuck you.
- Get the hell out of here right now.
- Fuck you!
- Right now.
- Get out of--
- I don't want to be
- by your stinking store anyways.
- Get out of here!
Hey!
Hey, you!
Hey!
You're from Peguis, right?
You're from Peguis?
Yeah.
Yeah, I'm from Peguis, too.
Hey, I think I remember
seeing you around.
You remember me?
I don't think I do.
- What's your name?
- Aberdeen.
Aberdeen Spence.
Aberdeen Spence.
Sorry, I don't think
I remember you.
I live not too far from
your mom and dad's.
I lived in one of those
houses that got flooded out,
and we got evacuated.
Oh, Aberdeen.
Yeah, yeah, I do remember you.
Wow, it's been a while.
So how you been?
Oh, you know, mostly good.
Today, though, was
kind of shitty.
Sorry to hear that.
Yeah, thanks.
Hey, I was actually
looking for a bit of help.
Oh, for sure.
Thanks.
Are you headed back home?
Yeah, just going to
pack up and head out.
Can I catch a ride?
I have to get to the Band
Office because I need a new ID.
Just lost all my shit.
I'll give you $20.
I'm pretty packed.
I'll even ride in the
back of the truck.
Please, you don't know
how bad I need a new ID.
Please, man.
I guess I could.
Go ahead.
Jump in.
Aw, thanks.
You're a lifesaver.
Yes, yeah.
Thanks again, eh?
Yeah, no problem.
Man, it's been a long
time since I've been back.
Are you going to buy me
a cup of coffee, too, eh?
Yeah, you could use it.
Hey.
Hello.
Can I crash here for the night?
Yeah.
Come in.
All right, then.
Thanks, eh.
Hey, you got any hangover
soup, or bannock, or anything?
Something.
There something.
- Yeah, let me look.
- Yeah?
Just in time for lunch.
Holy, my baby.
Now, we missed you.
Can we talk about this later?
I'm not in the mood right now.
We were having fun.
Now, can you please
speak English?
We want Aberdeen to
only speak English.
You know that.
Why are you like this, huh?
Mom. That's enough.
Come on, you two.
Not in front of Abby.
Let's go.
I'll get Boyd.
Huh?
Leave them with us.
Mom, no.
It's full of friends,
Mom, not just people.
We wouldn't leave
her with just anyone.
Okay. Let's go, Abby.
Oh, I thought you
were still sleeping.
I went for a walk.
So I made coffee.
There's some bread and
some eggs in the fridge
if you want to make
an egg sandwich.
Yeah, maybe later.
All right.
Well, I'm going to church
soon if you want to come.
I can't.
I have to be at the Band
Office this morning.
Then I got to find a
ride back to the city.
You're not going to
stay another night?
I can't.
Mhm.
I was hoping that I
could have a shower.
Do you mind?
I don't want to be that late.
Well, can I have a
shower and then leave?
I'll make sure the door
is locked before I go.
You won't take anything.
Holy.
No, I'm not going
to take anything.
My God.
OK, fine.
Just make sure that
the door is locked.
I told you I was
going to lock it.
And if you make anything, make
sure everything's turned off.
Holy.
I'm not a kid, you know?
Well, you're definitely
not the right age
to be a child, that's for sure.
It's nice to see
you out here, Abby.
Yeah.
OK, OK.
I'm off.
Hello.
Good morning.
Morning.
I'm just trying to
get a new status card,
and I wonder if you
guys make those here.
Yes, we do.
But the office is
closed until 10:00 AM.
Oh, is that normal?
Our members administrator's
traveling back from the city.
But he'll be here in an hour.
OK.
See you in an hour.
Aberdeen?
Who's asking?
Grace.
Grace Travers.
Holy shit.
Gracie?
Yeah.
Oh, my God.
Hi.
Jeez.
How long has it been?
Like 20 years.
Wow.
What are you doing here?
I do accounting for
the Band part time.
Oh, look at you, ever fancy.
What are you doing here?
Well, I'm trying to
get a status card,
but I have to wait for an hour.
Why don't you come hang out
at my house then and catch up?
We'll have a coffee.
I'll bring you back.
- OK.
- Yeah.
- Over here.
- That'd be nice, catch-up.
Yeah, just take off your shoes.
OK.
Do you want a drink?
Beer would be nice.
I was thinking
more, like, coffee.
I have some on
from this morning.
So yeah, a lot of stuff
happening around here.
We have a new community center.
Ooh.
Yeah.
They're adding on to the mall.
Wow.
Yeah.
We have a new subway going in.
A subway?
Yeah.
Now, I can get a 12
inch any time I want.
My God, Gracie,
you're still dirty.
Oh, my God.
Oh, it's Britney
my grandson's Ojibwe and Cree.
Aw, they are very cute.
Jeez, I wonder what happened.
Stop.
Yeah.
I have three
grandbabies myself, eh.
Hmm.
Yeah.
They stay with Boyd, eh?
Mm-hmm.
How is he?
I heard he was not doing
so well with his health.
Yeah, he couldn't take
care of the grandkids,
so he let foster care
take them for a while.
I'm sorry.
Is that what you're doing here,
to try to get them out of care,
help with your brother?
You got a really
beautiful place.
Thank you.
Me and Saul just got it.
We, I guess, had enough of the
city and decided to come home.
So we bought this house.
Wow.
I have a bag of clothes that
I was going to give away.
Do you want to
take a look on it?
- Sure.
- OK.
Ooh.
We're still about
the same size, eh?
- Now, let's see.
- Hmm.
Oh.
Panic bomb for me, not for you.
Yeah, well, some
of us are blessed.
What can I say?
Holy, lots of clothes.
So where's your daughter at?
How's she doing?
Oh, I haven't seen
her in over a year.
I actually don't
know where she is.
Can I try these on?
Yeah, yeah, it's just down
the hall to your left.
OK.
Come on.
Real fancy, huh?
Wow, looks good.
I know, eh.
And see, I told you.
Yeah, a bit loose on the butt.
Just a little bit.
Just put your stuff down.
I'll give you a
bag for that later.
OK.
Come sit.
I'm soaking up every
minute of this visit.
All right, eh.
What the heck?
You need a new
pair of socks, too?
Yeah, why not?
Jeez.
You got any?
Yes.
Go get it then.
I've got a couple pairs.
Go get me a sock.
Go on over there.
Go get it over there.
Go on.
Hi, Jesse.
Oh, hi, Grace.
How are you?
Good.
This is Aberdeen.
She needs a new status card.
Hi, nice to meet you, Aberdeen.
You, too.
Please take a seat.
This is Frank and Landy's boy.
Holy heck.
I know your parents.
- Yeah?
- Yeah.
I haven't seen them
in a long time.
How are they doing?
Good.
Yeah, dad's well.
He's a counselor here now.
And mom is still
teaching at the school.
Wow, counselor.
I'll bow.
Royalty on the Res.
No, not even.
But are you both
getting status card?
Oh, no, just Aberdeen.
OK.
All right.
Can I just get your
full name entry number?
Aberdeen Spence, 256695507.
And you're from Peguis?
I sure am.
Do you have a picture ID?
No, I don't.
She's from here.
OK.
I'm just going to need
to take a picture.
Actually, Aberdeen, if I
could get you near that wall
just there, that would be great.
OK.
Thank you, Grace.
All right.
And there you are.
Cute.
Oh, that looks good
on you, that shirt.
Eh, thanks.
We're ready to go?
Yeah.
Hey, say hi
to your mom and dad. - Yeah.
Make sure you tell them I'm
still alive, chicken squawking,
eh.
I'll let them know.
- Thank you.
- Of course.
OK, where to?
Just drop me off on the highway.
I have to get back
into the city.
You're hitchhiking in Winnipeg?
Sure am.
Hell, no, you're not.
Just one second.
Jeez.
Hi.
So I'm going to take a
quick ride into the city.
Do you need anything?
Yeah, I'm going to
take a friend back.
Maybe grab something for the
grandbabies while I'm there.
OK.
Yes.
Love you.
Bye.
OK, let's go on a road trip.
Holy.
Thank you.
Buckle up.
OK, let's crank
on the tunes, eh.
I hope you like musicals.
My God.
I think I'm going to walk instead.
Oops, you know how to drive?
Yeah, I did.
I took classes.
I do know how to drive.
And I do this drive a lot.
It was one of
those times I wanted to cry
So I went out and got me a hat
A hat
Well the hat was a treat and
it made me look sweet
It'll find me a love at last
This is-- It's so bad.
I'm never going to listen
to a bloody musical again.
Oh, my God.
You loved every minute of it.
I know it.
I saw you singing.
OK, it's raining.
Do you want me to wait?
It's Winnipeg.
I'll be good.
OK, give me a hug.
OK, don't get sentimental.
Come on.
OK.
It was good to see you.
And don't forget,
don't be a stranger.
Yeah.
See you.
Mm-hmm.
I can wait.
It's not a problem.
Go on.
I want to take my
grandbabies home.
They belong with me.
I wish it were that simple.
Why can't it be?
I'm their kookum.
I'm the best person
they need to be with.
Well, let's talk about
what we need to put
into place to make that happen.
First, you're going to
need a permanent residence
to house you and the children.
Do you have that?
Not yet.
Well, we'll have to
get that into place
so that I can assess you as
a placement for the children.
And secondly, you are going
to need an income that
can give you security.
Do you have that?
No, but I will.
And thirdly, you
are going to have
to go to some sort of
rehabilitation center.
I can get you a number
to call for an addiction
center for women.
Do you know where
my daughter is?
Pritchard no longer lives
at the address on file.
I don't know where she is.
They belong with family.
Yeah, they do
belong with family.
But I also know that they
belong in a safe environment.
Sorry.
No, thanks.
I really do want to
help you, Aberdeen.
OK.
Who is it?
Aberdeen.
Where'd you go?
Get thrown in the drunk
tank again or what?
Are you going to church?
Shut up.
Yeah.
You just took off on us.
I went to Peguis.
Peguis.
What the hell for?
For a brand-new, Band-made
status card, baby.
Hey!
Awesome.
You got a new status card!
I know.
Woo-hoo.
Trying to see if I
can use it to get
me one of those fancy
white status cards, eh.
Come on.
What the fuck?
Pervert!
Oh, my God.
I didn't know you were
naked under there.
Come on, let's go.
I'll wait for you outside.
OK, won't be long.
OK, hurry up.
And don't you guys fuck around.
No one's going to
fuck anything, OK?
I'm going to wait.
Counting, I'm counting out here.
Jeez.
Holes, babe?
Yes, definitely holes.
You guys just wait right here.
OK.
Good luck.
I'm here to see Maggie.
Look--
I got an ID.
Wait here.
Hello again.
Now, can I apply for
a new status card.
No.
What the hell do you mean no?
You told me if I came
back with identification,
I could apply for a new card.
No, that is not what I said.
Yes, it is.
No, I told you needed
appropriate identification.
And then I told you to call
the number on the website,
make an appointment.
Did you do that?
No.
And this is appropriate.
OK.
Can I have a paper
and pen, please?
Yeah.
All my friends have this.
It should be good enough.
Look at it.
You need to phone this number.
And you need to
follow the directions.
OK.
I hate those Indigenous
Affairs' bitches.
Just call the number.
Give her your phone.
Babe, I'm almost out of
minutes, though, so--
Give me your damn phone.
OK, OK.
Cheap.
Ha, ha, ha.
Fuck.
Thank you for calling
Indigenous Affairs.
All of our lines
are currently busy.
Please stay on the line for
an available representative.
Your estimated wait
time is 45 minutes.
Here.
Your phone died.
What?
No, it didn't die.
You wasted my minutes.
Now you know what Alfred feels.
Why are you really
doing this, Aberdeen?
All this for a status card?
Because I need it.
Why?
Because I deserve it.
I see you guys
in there! I see you!
Aberdeen, stop it.
Aberdeen, stop it!
So I just let them win?
They always win, Alfred.
How am I supposed to take
care of my grandchildren
when I can't even
fucking get an ID?
It's OK.
It's not OK.
- It is OK.
- What?
You have every right in the
world to be angry, pissed off.
But sometimes it
just doesn't work.
And if you want to look
after your grandchildren,
take care of them, you'll
have to live with the system.
Play the game, play
by their rules.
Oh, no.
Fuck's sakes.
They called the fucking cops.
Make sure you call Boyd.
I will.
We got a problem?
No.
No problem.
We got a call about
an Indigenous woman
causing a disturbance.
Oh, that's nice.
Step aside, sir.
I said step aside.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Step back.
I said step back.
Let's go.
Make sure you call Boyd.
- Let's go.
- I will.
Why don't you talk to the
fucking bitches in there?
Because we were just
going for a card.
And if they would
have just cooperated,
then we wouldn't even
be in this situation. Maybe you can--
Shut your mouth.
I was just doing what
you told me to do.
I did not tell you
to do this, Aberdeen.
You told me to take
charge of my life.
I told you to grow up.
You're more lost now than ever.
I'm starting to see now
why Pritchard ran away.
Pritchard didn't run away.
How can you fucking say that?
She left in the
middle of the night
without telling anyone
where she was going.
You thought she
was dead for a year
before I told you that she
called me to pick up her kids.
And she told me not to
tell you where she was.
Do you know where she is?
Of course, I do.
Where is she?
God, you're-- as fucked up as
she is, Pritchard was right.
You can't even take
care of yourself.
How could you take
care of those kids?
Pritchard said they'd be
better off in foster care.
And I believe her.
Where the fuck is my daughter?
You're so fucking selfish.
Where the fuck is my daughter?
Fuck.
I'm not telling you.
Give me this fucking phone.
And don't you fucking follow me.
Don't you.
Fuck.
Fuck.
Hello?
Pritchard.
What are you doing
here, Aberdeen?
How did you get this address?
I stole uncle's phone.
Well, you need to leave.
I just wanted to see you.
Well, I want nothing
to do with you.
I'm sorry, Pritchard.
For what?
For the abuse?
For the neglect?
Pick one.
For everything.
Stop with the fucking bullshit.
Your kids need you.
I know that.
I'm not fucking stupid.
What?
You think I can take care of my kids like this?
I'm fucking useless.
You could.
No, I can't, Aberdeen.
And you made sure of that, huh?
I wish I had a mom who
wasn't such a fuck-up,
and then I wouldn't
be a fuck-up.
The reason I am the way
that I am is because of you.
What?
Were you going to cry?
Go ahead, cry.
I don't give a fuck.
Get the fuck out of my house.
And don't you fucking come back!
Hey.
What are you doing?
Nothing.
Where's Raven?
In jail because of you.
Well, he was just using you
for your money and your meds
anyways.
Oh, nice.
Just get the hell out.
Did you not hear me?
I have my own
problems to deal with.
I do not want to
deal with yours.
Just get the hell out!
Fuck you, too.
You're a mess, Aberdeen,
a fucking mess.
What are you doing?
What the fuck are you doing?
What the fuck are you doing?
How do you know?
Okay.
It's okay.
It's okay, it's okay.
I didn't ask you to save me.
You're right.
You don't know what
I've been through.
No, I don't.
Why don't you tell me?
Shut up.
You're from Peguis, right?
How do you know where I'm from?
I'm from Peguis, too.
Who's your mom and dad?
Gary and Lori.
For real?
Our parents partied together.
So why were you trying
to jump off that bridge?
I don't know what I'm doing.
Everything I touch
turns to shit.
My daughter hates me.
She should.
I wasn't good to her.
We all make mistakes.
We're humans.
But we can't give up.
I've been meaning to
give these to you.
Where'd you get these?
You dropped them the
other day when you
were running from the police.
I figured you needed them,
so I held on to them for you.
Yeah.
Thanks.
I'm happy to return them.
I've got to go.
Where are you going?
To get my daughter back.
Can I come?
Sure.
Suit yourself.
Pritchard.
Pritchard.
Pritchard!
My God.
Pritchard!
Wake up!
Wake up, wake up!
No.
Get help.
Get help!
No!
Wake up, Pritchard.
Mom is here.
I will never leave you again.
I'm sorry.
I left you.
Mom is here.
My baby.
Come on.
No.
I'm going to take a walk.
I like him.
Me, too.
Where'd you meet?
He saved my life today.
He stopped me from
jumping off a bridge.
You were going to
jump off a bridge?
Yep.
Fuck.
Crazy sister.
I killed my baby, Boyd.
No, you didn't.
She died of an overdose.
No.
I've been killing her
since the day she was born.
I'm a terrible mom.
I let things around her
that changed her forever.
And I didn't even notice.
I didn't even try to.
I'm going to save my grandkids.
I'm going to do
it for Pritchard.
How do I do it?
Look at me.
You're already doing it, sis.
You're asking for help.
Little brother.
Aberdeen, I came
as soon as I heard.
I'm so sorry, my friend.
Be a dear and pay the taxi.
Oh, my friend, my
sweet, sweet friend.
Aberdeen, I'm so
sorry for your loss.
Thank you.
I'll take that phone number now.
All right, come here.
Come, put your flowers down.
OK, come on.
Back to the car with you, brats.
Oh, thank you, my girl.