Kayak to Klemtu (2017) Movie Script
1
(gentle music)
(gentle music continues)
(sings in foreign language)
(drums beating)
(sings in foreign language)
(drums beating)
(sings in foreign language)
[Dave Voiceover]
People think Klemtu
is just a tiny village in
the middle of the ocean.
But our home is ancient.
And no matter where
we live in the world,
Klemtu is always our home.
When I leave this
earth, I won't be there
to hear you testify for me,
do your best to
speak for our land.
You can't explain to these
people what it's like
to come from such
a special place,
but you can tell them it
deserves to be protected.
(gentle music)
Hau, hello.
My name is Ella Ellis.
I'm honored to speak
before you today.
There are many things
that my late Uncle Dave
wanted to share with
you about our territory.
He didn't live long enough to
share them with me in person,
and I'll do my best to
show them with you today.
(gentle upbeat music)
Oh, no, no, I'm not
paying him a dime.
What?
You try squeezing
blood from a stone.
The place is caving in.
Yeah.
Well, if you want it,
you come and get it.
Don't be so dramatic.
Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow.
Oh, shush.
You're crying now,
you just wait until I
push that barb through.
What?
It's the only way to
take these things out.
You gotta push it
through, snip off the barb
and then pull it back.
No, no, no, no.
There's gotta be another way.
You want me to pull
the barb out backwards?
All right.
It's gonna take half
your hand guts with it,
but suit yourself.
No, no, no, just,
just do it quick, okay.
Okay, that's better.
Now buck up.
Hey, what's up Alex?
(Alex screaming)
Here, simple
Call Alex.
[Voiceover] Sorry,
I didn't get that.
Call Alex.
[Voiceover] Sorry,
I didn't get that.
I'm not gonna cry.
I'm not gonna cry.
(door knocking)
Oh, come in.
Happy last day of school.
In here.
I can't believe school's over.
Yay.
Cory, you're finally grieving.
That's good.
Oh, no, no, no, no.
I'm not going down a
big downward thing.
I'm just, I miss my
students, you know, and.
Oh God, I'm sorry.
You want some.
That's, no thanks.
Here.
- Why don't.
- I just was.
Why don't I just take
this away from you.
Okay.
Hey.
Wow.
You look so much like
your Uncle Bear sometimes.
Aunt Cory.
[Cory] Yeah honey.
Do you think that
Uncle Bear would be mad
if I didn't do his
testimony at the hearing?
What?
Why?
'Cause I can't,
I can't do it.
(car engines revving)
[Reporter] Coming
up after the break,
a tugboat pushing an
American fuel barge
has run aground in BC waters,
spilling 200,000 liters
of diesel and heavy fuel.
The recovery effort has
been hampered by weather
and what local
people are calling,
a slow response
by the government.
More on this after the break.
Hey.
(gentle music)
We ask the tree for teachings
so that we may
know the old ways.
And we ask the
tree for permission
so that we may use its bark.
I need you.
We need you.
You need to ask the jury panel
to stop the fuel barges
from crossing our territory.
They didn't ask our permission,
and they have to
stop that pipeline.
(gentle music)
What if I don't do it right?
And then I let everyone down.
(gentle music)
You have a beautiful voice,
as beautiful as our home.
Now use it.
Testify for me.
Tell them what they'll lose
if they allow oil
tankers along our coast.
They don't even know.
I don't have to say
anything, Uncle Bear.
You're not gonna die.
Everything dies.
That's the whole point.
We never got to do our
kayak trip to Klemtu.
You're supposed to show
me all of these things.
(gentle music)
You'll do it, one day.
(gentle music)
And you'll take me with you.
(gentle music)
(both laughing)
(gentle music)
[Dave Voiceover] You'll
still take me with you.
(people speaking indistinctly)
Mom.
Yeah, baby.
I know what to do.
I'm gonna do the trip
and I'm gonna scatter
Uncle Bear's ashes
in all of the places that he
told me about all the way home.
And that's where he'll rest,
all up the coast
from here to Klemtu.
It'll be our big
kayak trip after all.
He would love it.
Mom wouldn't he?
It's a beautiful idea.
I think it's just too hard.
I knew you would say that,
but here's an idea, what if
Uncle Dawn and Aunt Cory come?
Would you say yes then?
[Ella Voiceover] Don
always says yes to Aunt Cory.
No frigging way.
Are you frigging crazy?
Why don't you just bury
him like normal people do?
Okay, it is a little bit
crazy, but so was Dave.
I mean, you knew him, right?
He stole my action
figures, you know,
he wasn't crazy, he
was just a bastard.
It's not just about
scattering Uncle Bear's ashes.
You know, uncle Bear's
last wish is that
I would do the testimony at
the hearing and come to and,
but I'm not like you, I don't
even know my own territory.
And I need to,
to stop these tankers from
coming in and ruining everything.
It's not just about me or
and Uncle Bear's ashes.
It's about all of us.
It's environmental.
Environmental?
No, I'm not doing it.
Environmental?
It's a bunch of granola
eating, throw their propaganda
and all that BS.
Oh, they come into our
territory, barge in there
with their socks
and their sandals,
and they think they
know what's best.
They don't know shit.
They should just
stick to smoking dope
and drinking their bean
juice for $7 a glass
and breastfeeding their kids
'til they're nine-years-old.
Forget it.
I mean, they drive cars
just like the rest of us.
Bunch of bloody bunch of
petunia wearing hypocrites.
Oh, with their $9
organic leaves.
"Oh, it's organic, it comes
all the way from California."
"A thousand miles."
Yeah, by a truck.
The bunch of idiots.
And you think they're
gonna change their mind
about a pipeline that's gonna
pump oil right to China?
No one wins that fight sister.
And the government.
Oh, this government
is gonna crap oil
all over the place if they want.
And there's nothing that
a little six-year-old
can say about it.
I am 14.
All right, you know what?
You don't need to
decide right now.
You could think about it.
You know, let it roll around
a bit in the old noggin.
And what about your son?
Like, when's the last
time that you saw him?
Just.
What?
What?
I'm hemorrhaging money here.
Your husband left me high
and dry with this place.
I've got renovation bills.
This was supposed to
be our family startup,
but this place is gonna
kill me before it dies.
Plus we can't leave
Alex here alone.
Guy just got a hook in his hand.
They're very pointy.
It was still in the package.
Okay, so you're
thinking about it.
I like your attitude.
I'd be better off
sending your kid with you.
I can go.
What?
Sure.
You'd take these girls on
an environmental kayaking trip
to drown my brother.
Sure, why not?
Sounds kind of fun.
Ah, well, you
wouldn't get far.
This one's six-years-old
and this one,
you've seen her paddle.
Oh, come on,
we're not that bad.
We can do this, Don,
just help us out a bit.
Look, you're
gonna need charts.
You're gonna need a plan.
You have to organize
all your gear.
All totally your element.
We already have the stuff.
We have all of this stuff.
Just help us out a
little bit with our plan.
I got stuff to do.
All right, you guys
come back later
and we'll take a look
through my old trip logs.
Ooh, he's going to help us,
he's gonna help us.
Don, Don, Don.
Don, Don.
But okay, wait, wait, wait.
Does this mean you're
gonna come with us?
I said no.
Or didn't you hear me?
Okay.
Okay, let's give it time.
He's totally gonna help us.
Nice.
Hi mom.
Yeah, uncle Don said yes.
Yeah.
We're paddling to Klemtu.
(birds chirping)
I bet Alex can't wait to
see a spirit bear again.
Uncle Bear always said that
they show themselves to you
when you need something
to make you feel strong.
Yeah, I remember.
(birds chirping)
Aha.
Aha.
(gentle upbeat music)
This here, the root you got.
Oh, hey,
Dave gave this to me.
My Chief from Cuckoo's
Nest action figure.
It's mine.
My dad gave it to
me for my birthday.
I knew he stole it from me.
He just gives it away and goes
and dies on me.
Anyway.
Yeah, this is the route
you guys should take.
Now Alex, you might not
be so useless after all.
How many times you
paddled this way?
Twice.
Once with Dave.
But we left from Vancouver.
So you guys are lucky then
'cause you're
leaving from Tla'amin
it'll make it a short first day.
Now you stick along
the coast area,
you'll avoid crossing the sound.
And you still have
to hit open ocean.
But it shouldn't
be so bad this way.
How was crossing the sound?
It was a little airy.
We were hitting 20
foot swells out there.
Oh my God.
Sorry what now?
I guess I just didn't think
about what we were
actually doing.
Like actually being on
a boat in the real ocean
for a month on a
skinny little boat.
Aunt Cory.
Can we just focus here please?
Now you stick this way,
I think you should hit Bella
Bella in time for the hearing.
But that weather,
it's gotta hold.
It'll hold.
It'll hold.
Yeah.
(Cory screaming)
Jesus.
Why do I have to do this?
Help me.
Look, do you want be
in the middle of nowhere
and then discover you
don't have your tent pegs
or your fly or that you
don't know how to do this?
That's what Alex is for.
Have you seen Alex?
Okay, gotcha.
Okay, can we at
least do this inside?
Well, you won't be
camping inside, Cor.
You gotta be prepared right.
I don't want you guys
dying on me out there.
Maureen would kill me.
All right, all right.
Look, just come help me with
this tent pole here man.
The hook's the wrong way.
It keeps falling off.
Oh.
I see.
Yeah, you keep at it.
Okay, almost there.
Where you going?
Oh, you're doing good.
Keep, keep, keep going.
Looking good, real good.
(Cory speaking indistinctly)
Check, check.
And I want you to call me
if you get into any trouble
or you get lonely.
Good check.
Over and out.
And Cory,
I have Uncle Bear's ashes
to spread along the way.
But I was wondering if
it's possible for me
to keep a little bit of him
in my pouch, possibly forever.
Yeah, of course honey.
You keep him close
to your heart.
Finally doing it, Uncle Bear.
(gentle upbeat music)
(birds chirping)
(gentle upbeat music)
Yep, never gonna make it.
Here we go.
Whoo.
Whoo.
Whoo.
Hi.
Okay,
We can do this.
(gentle music)
[Dave Voiceover] We
say that our spirits
take a last look at this world
to take it all in before
they go on their journey
to the other side.
When you go home to
Klemtu for this hearing,
look at the world
and take it all in.
And all the right
words will come to you.
(gentle upbeat music)
(birds chirping)
(gentle music)
Ahoy.
Hey, mind if we join you guys?
Okay.
Denise, come say hi.
I'm cooking up some
oysters for dinner,
I picked them myself.
Dinner's almost ready, honey.
Told you I'm not
eating those things.
Yeah, I'm not so sure
about those either.
I mean, it's red tide season.
Oh.
See, you guys got
a divorce boat, eh.
[Cory] Alex
What?
We'll, just, you know, we're
just figuring things out.
Oh no, I mean that's just
what they call tandem kayaks.
[Cory] So, how long have
you guys been paddling for?
Two days.
It's our honeymoon.
Yeah.
(Denise laughing)
Oh, right on.
Congratulations.
- Thanks.
- Thanks.
I'll try one of your oysters.
Good, okay.
Wow, that is very impressive.
(waves crashing)
(insects chirping)
(birds chirping)
(insects chirping)
Oh my God, I'm dying.
You okay, Aunt Cory?
Nothing a little
amputation won't fix.
You know, your
bed's ready, mom.
Just leave me here to die.
It's fine.
(Cory moaning)
Thanks.
Oh.
Oh my arms are so sore.
I wish those oysters would
just hurry up and kill me.
Alex.
(Cory vomiting)
- No.
- Come on.
You can do it.
(fire crackling)
(insects chirping)
(fire crackling)
She should come and eat.
(insects chirping)
(fire crackling)
I don't know about
this whole thing.
I mean, I wanted to go just as
much as you in the beginning,
but now it just looks like
we're gonna have to turn back.
No.
No, no way.
Why did you think
she could do this?
Because I wasn't allowed
to go with just you okay.
My mom thinks that
Uncle Don is here.
What?
Dude, you lied to your mom.
(fire crackling)
How far did you think we'd
make it before they found out?
Honestly, that is
the stupidest thing.
That's it.
We leave in the morning.
No.
No, that is not an option.
Don't you get how
important any of this is.
Alex.
(Ella moaning)
(waves crashing)
(zipper opening)
Oh crap.
(zipper opening)
Our food.
Didn't you tie up our food?
No, you said you
were gonna do it.
That was your job.
Great, Alex.
Now we have nothing.
Could you make this any harder?
Well, now what are we gonna do?
Get Alex, I
can't move my arms.
Alex, come here.
What?
I seriously can't move.
You just gotta get
up, mom, come on.
I can't get up
and I definitely can't
get back in a damn kayak
because I cannot get the
hell out of the sleeping bag.
Now please unzip me or I'm
gonna scream, I'm freaking out.
Okay, okay, just chill.
You just gotta stretch, mom.
(Cory screaming)
Okay, I'm done.
You deal with her.
You want me, I.
Don't touch me.
Ow.
Hey, don't blame me
'cause Dave dumped all
this responsibility on you.
It's not my fault
she can't move.
- Oh.
- Or that you lied.
None of this is on me.
What?
Who said that he dumped
any of this on me?
He was my stepdad, remember?
It's just like him to burden
people with mega loads
of responsibility.
You don't know
what you're talking about.
Yeah, I do.
Don's leg broke
now because of him.
He can't do it by himself.
Well, whatever.
Okay, because what
are we supposed to do?
We can't just wait
for her to get better.
And we have no food.
- We're calling for help.
- No, no, no.
- Stop.
- Nope, nope.
Stop.
No, stop it.
No, no, no, no,
(water splashing)
Well, we're screwed.
(birds chirping)
(wind gushing)
Crap.
(boat engine revving)
Oh, thank God,
(birds chirping)
Maureen, you just
take it easy on her,
she was just trying to
honor Dave, all right.
Alex, we're taking
down the tents.
Where's your mom?
She's in there.
Bad oysters.
[Cory] I'm dying.
What the hell were
you guys thinking?
Come on, let's get going
before it gets dark.
No.
Ell, this hearing, you're
too worked up about it.
This beach could be
completely covered in fuel.
I'm not gonna sit in
Vancouver and let that happen.
(birds chirping)
You got to grow up in Klemtu.
It's your place.
And it's Uncle Don's place.
It's even Alex's place and
he's not even from there.
You know, you could help
me make it my place too.
But you don't want to.
Uncle Don, how come
you don't live there?
Mom, why didn't I grow up there?
You left Klemtu.
And when you did, you
took something from me.
It wasn't easy, Ella.
Oh, I know.
- No, you don't.
- Well, you don't know
what I know or what I feel.
There's a hole here.
We all have a Klemtu-sized
hole in our hearts.
That's what it means to be
who we are and live away.
Maybe it doesn't
have to be that way.
I won't know until you
let me go on this trip.
You haven't even
passed the first camp.
It's not safe.
Just let me try, mom.
What's more dangerous?
Some rough waves,
bears, or going hungry
or being stuck in the city
paralyzed to do anything
because you taught me
not to believe in myself.
I'll take 'em.
Come on.
They're not gonna get very far.
Let her try, Mo.
She'll be safe with me.
(birds chirping)
Dave chose the right person
to convince this
jury of anything.
That pipeline doesn't
stand a chance.
Oh, okay, go ahead, try.
But you radio me
when you need help.
Yeah, but what about mom?
[Maureen] I'm not
looking after her.
- Hey.
- So what do you
expect me to do, carry
her on my shoulders.
You can take the tandem.
(Ted vomiting)
And all of our stuff.
If I could just trouble you
for a ride back into town.
Like as a trade, right.
Look, my wife, she's not
loving this adventure.
And in fact, she said
it was either the
honeymoon or divorce.
So, you know, and besides
these devil oysters
are coming out both
ends right now.
Hey, don't blame the oysters.
(Don exhaling)
You are about as good at roughing
it as you are at business.
It's deal.
Yeah.
Rise and shine princess.
(Cory moaning)
You just take it easy.
(birds chirping)
Yeah, I think it was
right around here.
I caught the biggest
load of crab ever.
Oh that's the life,
eh, crab fishing.
Hey Cor, Dave, ever
take you crabbing?
Aha.
What?
No.
But you like crab though, eh?
I seem to remember
you at one sitting
putting away three crabs.
Ah.
What's that?
Nothing.
You gotta turn your head Cor.
Otherwise your voice just goes
straight out in front of you
and the person at the
stern can't hear you.
It's one of the
annoyances of the tandem,
otherwise known as
the divorce boat.
So the simple solution,
you just turn your head
and the person at the
stern can hear you.
Or we could just stop talking.
Seriously Cor,
I can't hear you.
I said, oh, sorry.
Yeah, I was thinking if
I ever get my boat sold,
I could help you out
with house expenses
or whatever you need.
Do you really think
that selling the boat's
the way to get the
store back on track.
How much do you think you're
gonna get for it anyway?
It's not exactly a super yacht.
It's a good boat.
Plus my fishing license
alone, it's worth a lot.
Keep the boat.
At least you have
something to show for it.
Don't be an idiot.
No, I think I liked it better
when I couldn't hear you.
(gentle upbeat music)
(birds chirping)
(gentle upbeat music)
(birds chirping)
(gentle upbeat music)
Ah, ah this is nice
little ramp, eh?
This place is really old.
They used to launch big
oceangoing canoes off here.
Really?
It's amazing.
Okay, here?
Yeah.
Thanks.
(gentle upbeat music)
(birds chirping)
(gentle upbeat music)
[Dave Voiceover]
Whenever you are in a place
where our ancestors once walk,
you can really feel the
power that still lives there.
(gentle upbeat music)
(birds chirping)
(gentle upbeat music)
(birds chirping)
(gentle upbeat music)
[Dave] Do you
remember what this is?
It's a wild blueberry.
(Dave laughing)
Your name comes from
your auntie in Bella Bella.
We're all connected,
all our communities.
She gave that name to you and
your mom to share, remember?
I know.
Well tell them that one
day you will pick blueberries
on that very beach where
your name comes from.
Uncle Bear,
I thought I was
gonna feel something.
I don't know what I'm
supposed to see, I'm sorry.
(gentle music)
(birds chirping)
Land ho.
Like, I gotta give Mo a call
and see how she's making out.
I think we should split up
so we're not setting
up camp in the dark.
Ooh, can I come with you?
She wants to know if
she can come with you.
Yeah, sure, knock
yourself out, kid.
Alex, you and your
mom set up camp, yeah.
Sure.
Hey Ella, you remember
where camp is?
Duh.
Nice to be on land
for a little bit.
Hey, get me a
cheeseburger, I'm starving.
Oh yeah, I'm all over it.
Thinks I'm her chauffeur
and now I'm a waiter, geez.
I just gotta check my messages.
Do you want anything?
I'm gonna get those jujubes
that uncle Bear used to love.
Yeah, whatever kid,
knock yourself out.
Hey Mo, it's me.
Yeah, well, they
haven't given up yet.
It won't be long though.
(Don laughing)
Okay, how's it going there?
You found a buyer for the shop?
(Don laughing)
Oh, that guy.
Yeah, no, he wants me to
sell it to him for a loss.
Well, because it's stupid.
I'm not losing.
Look, you just wanna piss Dave's
money away just like that?
Well, I'm not losing the
business and the money.
Find another buyer.
Oh my God, oh my God.
Hurry, hurry, hurry.
Okay, okay, slow down, geez.
(Alex laughing)
I told you not to
eat those oysters.
(Alex laughing)
Oh my god, mom.
Oh geez.
I pooped myself.
I pooped myself.
That doesn't feel good.
(birds chirping)
How are you doing?
Warm enough?
Whoo, am I ever
with this awesome,
super absorbent camping towel?
I guess I'll get
the tent ready then.
So what's it like
staying at the store.
Is it totally gross?
I don't know.
It's not bad.
Kind of like it.
Well, you know that
you can come home
whenever you want, anytime.
Well, unless you're
moving to Klemtu,
it's not really my plans.
Plans can change though.
No, they, they can't.
I mean, you said I'd lived
down south for one year
and then I could
go do what I want.
Just wish that your plans
weren't to be so far away.
I'm going home, mom.
Home's wherever you
want it to be, Alex.
No, it's not.
I don't belong in
the city like you.
You know, I was
raised in Klemtu.
Ever since you took
me out there, I just,
I just miss it, okay.
Home isn't some
dungy storage room
just because I sleep there.
You just said that
You like it there.
Sometimes I just say
things you want to hear.
(birds chirping)
[John] What's up, campers?
You guys snagged
the good spot.
An outdoorsman eh?
You wanna see something cool?
Sure.
I'm John.
That's Greg, my trusty guide.
He knows these forests like
the back of his hand, eh Greg?
Yep.
You guys just
out for a paddle?
Yeah, something like that.
John.
Hey, be cool man.
You don't have to show him.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Come here.
[Greg] Don't show him, man.
[John] No, he's
gonna like this.
(gentle music)
Oh God.
[Cory] What?
Hey man, I thought
you were an outdoorsman.
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.
Hey, what is it?
Hey, what is it?
It, it's, it's a
grizzly, they skinned it.
It's just, it's
head and it's hide.
Isn't that illegal?
No, we have a license.
(birds chirping)
Okay, honey, just
take a deep breath,
keep unpacking okay.
(gentle music)
What'd you do that for?
I thought he'd be into it.
What?
No, I mean, the bear.
What, you just leave
the meat in the woods?
Hey now, look, I know
what you're gonna say,
but we got the utmost
respect for bears, okay.
I'm a licensed outfitter.
We are in the proper area.
It's legal, look it up.
I don't care that
it's legal, okay.
It's totally inhumane.
I'm a good shot lady.
That bear ran not 20 feet
before she went down.
I was right there.
Let's go man.
Yeah I guess.
Later neighbors.
Have a good night.
(gentle music)
(birds chirping)
(gentle music)
It's okay, it's okay.
I hate them so much.
(Alex crying)
I know.
Hey, look at me.
(Alex crying)
You're okay.
Don't cry.
We don't cry.
(gentle music)
(waves crashing)
Hey Blue Cheeseburgers
[Don] And marshmallows.
Got any wine in there?
Ah, you wish.
Burger me, I'm starved.
Thank you.
How come you
didn't start a fire.
We got distracted
by the birds.
Birds, eh?
Yeah.
(waves crashing)
Hey, you know what guys?
I think I'm gonna
hit the hay too.
Thank you.
(waves crashing)
Well, looks like
I'm starting the fire.
I'm gonna make marshmallows.
Want yours crispy?
Black is my heart.
Oh really?
(fire crackling)
(insects chirping)
(fire crackling)
(insects chirping)
(fire crackling)
Yeah.
(fire crackling)
(insects chirping)
(fire crackling)
No.
What the heck are you doing?
Here, close your eyes.
Open your mouth.
And whoa, wait, don't chew,
and don't swallow,
just taste it.
And?
What color does it taste like?
Green.
Okay, check.
(both laughing)
Wrong.
That was an easy one.
All right, well
gimme another one.
Okay.
(insects chirping)
(fire crackling)
(insects chirping)
You get it?
Do I get what?
Why these were
Uncle Bear's favorite.
See, they don't taste
good but they're fun.
Hmm?
You got it
Purple.
Okay.
(both laughing)
[Don] Huh?
Okay, gimme another,
gimme another one.
- Okay.
- Ah.
Hmm.
Purple.
Yeah?
Geez, it's like these
fish think I have forever.
(Dave laughing)
That's not funny.
It's a little funny.
After I'm gone, I
want you to know
that you always have a
place with my family.
You can walk around Klemtu.
And anyone bugs
you, you remind them
that I adopted you as my own.
You tell them that sometimes
water is thicker than blood
and you're an ocean boy
and you love this water
and these creatures
and these people
as much as I do.
Remember, you can always
go back to Klemtu okay.
I said so.
(gentle music)
(Alex crying)
(waves crashing)
Uncle Bear, is this where
I used to find the moss
that made my throat feel
better when I got sick?
How is it that you used
to find eagle feathers
and trade beads?
I can't even find
a single berry.
(waves crashing)
I only want you to
be in special places.
I don't know if this is it.
(waves crashing)
[Don] Oh, come
on, you're tough.
Mm, coffee.
What do you say,
Alex, can we push off?
Last section that's protected
before the open ocean,
you up for it?
Yeah, what's a little
open ocean got on us?
[Don] Ella?
Yeah, yeah.
Let's pack it up.
You want me to take something?
Oh, okay.
(waves crashing)
You okay?
I'm fine.
(waves crashing)
All aboard.
(Don laughing)
Atta girl.
Love your attitude.
Whoo-hoo.
Oh yeah.
Oh yeah very funny.
Oh, oh.
Ah.
I'm free.
You're going the wrong way.
(gentle upbeat music)
Hi.
Hey.
Wow.
- Hey.
- Holy smokes.
That's amazing.
Pretty awesome.
Yeah, I've seen one before,
go right under my kayak.
Hey guys, I don't like
the looks of this weather.
I think we should head back
and wait for it to pass.
No way, we'll be fine.
We wait for it to pass.
It's not safe.
That's the bottom line.
You know what
guys, he's right.
It looks risky.
I'm scared.
All right, let's back it up.
Ella.
Fine.
(rain gushing)
Oh my God, we
shouldn't have come.
It's not that bad.
Are you crazy?
It'll blow over.
Yeah.
(rain gushing)
Oh my God.
(rain gushing)
What?
This is not happening.
(gentle music)
(rain gushing)
(gentle music)
(rain gushing)
(gentle music)
(rain gushing)
(gentle music)
(rain gushing)
Oh yeah.
Kayaking, adventure,
yeah, it'd be great.
(gentle music)
(rain gushing)
(gentle music)
(rain gushing)
(gentle music)
(rain gushing)
(gentle music)
(rain gushing)
(gentle music)
(wind gushing)
(waves crashing)
(wind gushing)
(waves crashing)
(wind gushing)
Oh, nice.
It's lifted.
(wind gushing)
Let's go.
Too windy.
Well, we can't just
wait around anymore.
I'm gonna miss
the whole hearing.
Ella, be real,
look at those waves.
Oh, come on, I'll prove it.
What are you doing?
Don.
(wind gushing)
Do something.
Huh?
(wind gushing)
Ah, just let her go.
Maybe she needs to learn
what too windy means.
Maureen's gonna kill me if
something happened to her.
Ah, she'll get tired soon.
She'll come back.
(wind gushing)
(gentle music)
(wind gushing)
(gentle music)
(wind gushing)
(gentle music)
Ella.
Ah, those girls.
(dramatic music)
(wind gushing)
(dramatic music)
Ella.
Ella.
(dramatic music)
(wind gushing)
(dramatic music)
Oh no.
Dave.
No.
Dave.
(Cory screaming)
(dramatic music)
Don.
Don.
(dramatic music)
Come on.
Come on, come on.
I got you.
[Alex] What happened?
Oh, nothing.
Decided to take an
early swim, that's all.
We're fine.
[Alex] Are you okay?
Yeah, she's good.
She's good.
Just catch your
breath over here.
Hey Aunt Cory.
Have a seat.
Alex got a blanket.
Hey Aunt Cory, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, okay.
We're fine.
You're fine.
We all made it.
It's fine.
Here.
I dropped him.
I dropped Dave.
What?
What do you mean
you dropped Dave?
I tried to put him
in my life jacket.
[Alex] Oh mom.
I was.
What?
Why were you holding him?
I don't know.
I just, he was in the,
I just panicked.
So, so you lost all of him?
Ella, take it easy.
It was an accident.
No.
What about Uncle Bear?
Now he's just buried here.
Oh my God.
I didn't mean to.
(gentle music)
(waves crashing)
(gentle music)
(waves crashing)
(gentle music)
Oh geez.
Okay.
Oh.
All right.
You know what?
In a way, this is
probably better.
Like, Uncle Bear probably
would've been happy
it was mom who spread his ashes.
She didn't spread them though.
She dropped them all
at once, accidentally.
Yeah, but isn't
that the point?
I mean,
when he didn't have much longer,
Uncle Bear told me that
this is what he wanted.
You're making that up.
No, for real.
He wanted to be
part of the coast.
Spreading his
ashes was my idea.
I don't know everything
Ella,
Dave told me lots
and lots of things.
But he loved you the most.
(wind gushing)
See,
see we use solar power to pump
water over the oyster seeds.
And then when
they're big enough,
they go back to
the ocean in cages.
And there are no fossil
fuels used at all.
It is totally sustainable.
Which is why I love it.
Okay, just hold on.
Dave, look around, this
place is a money pit.
Don't do that.
I need this.
I need something that'll
bring my family together.
You can get behind
that, can't you?
(gentle music)
(waves crashing)
(gentle music)
(birds chirping)
Look guys, whales.
Ella, whales.
"Ooh look at the whales.
"I spilled my husband."
"Look at the whales."
Oh, I can see them.
(all laughing)
Oh wow.
Ella.
Here.
Thanks.
So you two just not
talking to each other
for the rest of the trip then?
It was an accident, Ella.
Don't get in the middle, Alex.
I'm not.
I'm just saying we're
all in this right?
He wasn't your uncle.
I only lived with
him half of my life.
Come on, it wasn't
that big of a deal.
He would think
this was hilarious.
Save it for Miss. Oopsie Daisy
Ella wasn't her fault.
She dropped him.
Of course it's her fault.
All right then be mad.
What do you care, anyways?
You were blaming Uncle Bear
for your money problems.
You just wanna sell your boat.
You don't care about the ashes,
you don't care
about the hearing.
All you care about is yourself.
Hey.
I can see why Dave chose
you to do his testimony.
You're just like him.
Oh.
I take that as a compliment.
Aha.
I just want you to know
it's not your fault, Cory.
I know it's not my fault.
This is all Dave's
fault, not mine.
He's the one who inspired Ella
to go dumping his
ashes in the water.
This is all what he wanted.
He had to go die
and ruin everything.
(birds chirping)
And so he got a
lovely burial at sea
and I hope he's
god happy with it.
So what then?
We still got a
hearing to get to.
I mean, you got a
boat to sell in Klemtu?
So what if I do?
My brother was nothing
but amazing to you
and to anyone
who's ever met him.
But he was a shit businessman.
I mean, it's gonna take me years
to dig out of the
mess that he made.
Even if I do sell the store.
Don, why didn't you tell us
that you were in
that much trouble?
You were a little
burdened at the time.
And your husband just died.
Yeah, that.
So what do you say we
got Ella to this hearing?
I mean, it was his dying
wish and all that, geez.
All right?
All right.
Here, let me in there.
Thank you.
Wait, I'm not gonna
ride in that with her.
Oh, you two, you got
some crap to work out.
And you think we're gonna
do it in the divorce boat?
Or die trying.
(gentle upbeat music)
You disturber.
(both laughing)
[Don] Come on, I'll race you.
[Alex] Oh, you're on.
(gentle upbeat music)
I can't believe you
lost Dave and the paddle.
I was trying to
look after you.
I didn't ask you to.
(gentle upbeat music)
(birds chirping)
(gentle upbeat music)
(water gushing)
(birds chirping)
(sings in foreign language)
(gentle music)
(sings in foreign language)
(gentle music)
(fire crackling)
(sings in foreign language)
(gentle music)
(sings in foreign language)
(gentle music)
(sings in foreign language)
(Cory gasping)
What?
Nothing.
(gentle upbeat music)
(seals barking)
Oh my God, look at the seals.
Hi seals.
They're sea lions.
Stellar sea lions.
Oh yeah.
These little rascals are part
of your testimony, right?
I remember hearing you
and Dave practicing
talking about how the
tankers coming through
and dwindle the population.
They're so beautiful.
That's the coolest
thing I've ever seen.
(gentle upbeat music)
(Don moaning)
Oh, come on.
You gotta do that right here?
Sorry, but the little
boys' room is occupied.
Couldn't you just
go behind the tent?
I mean, it's right there.
What and miss this
beautiful sunset?
Don't you mean the moonrise?
(all laughing)
You wish girls, you wish.
- Ew.
- Ew.
Oh God.
Good to see you two
laughing for a change.
[Alex] They're
laughing at you.
[Don] Good thing I
didn't go commando.
(all laughing)
- Don.
- Oh God.
Oh my God.
(speaks in foreign language)
[Alex] Come on Don.
What are you doing?
[Don] Gonna go seal wrestling.
[Ella] Whoo, go Don.
(gentle music)
[Alex] How's the water?
Come on in, it's warm.
[Dave Voiceover] We
used to strip cedar bark
to make everything we needed.
The forest saved us.
Now we look for trees that
were stripped long ago
so we can save the forests.
They can't log in a place
where there are trees like that
because they're markers.
They mark our existence
here from before contact.
So if you find a tree like that,
you'll know your people
stood there before you.
That tree is a part of you.
How are we doing
for time, Don?
Well there I thought
we'd make it all the way,
but we just had
too many setbacks,
and that bloody tandem.
Ella's gonna kill me
if we don't make it.
We gotta at least try.
I don't see how we can do it
without getting some
horsepower underneath us.
I mean, surely it's
faster if you or Alex
paddles the tandem
with Ella in front
And what, you paddle solo?
Yeah, why not?
(Don laughing)
Oh, you're serious.
It's all my fault.
Slowed everyone down.
There's nothing that
we can do about it now.
How come you never
remarried, Don?
And Dean, he must be what?
17 now.
You really need to see
him when we get to Klemtu.
Don't wait too long to
make up with your son, Don.
You wanna talk parenting, Cor?
Your kid's living in my shop?
Touche.
(gentle upbeat music)
Ella, take the solo.
Oh, thank God.
Yeah, yeah.
I'm just saying.
Alex, what'd you
do me the honors?
Oh, come on.
Okay guys, from now on we're
gonna call this the fun boat.
Okay, Alex, would you take
the fun boat with me please?
Yes fun boat, got it.
(gentle upbeat music)
Got it, thank you.
See.
- Yeah.
- The fun boat.
We're having fun already.
Whoo.
(Cory laughing)
(gentle music)
(insects chirping)
Uncle Don.
Huh?
What made you decide
to come on this trip?
And don't say that it was
'cause you thought we
couldn't do this alone
'cause we're nailing this.
(Don laughing)
I don't know.
I saw what kind of
Uncle Dave was to you
and how you're honoring him.
Just made me think of my son,
he certainly wouldn't
do any of this for me
and I wouldn't blame him.
(birds chirping)
Anyways, we should get going.
(gentle music)
Oh, hey look, we aren't
the only crazy ones out here.
Yeah, last time
I was out here,
there were loads more people.
Was that with Dave?
Yeah.
Just before he got diagnosed.
(gentle music)
How are you doing
with all that?
You asking me this now?
(gentle music)
Guess, guess I'm
not very good at this.
That's fine, mom.
We don't cry, remember?
Anyways, I'm doing
fine at the shop.
Soon enough we'll be moving
back up to Klemtu, so.
Yeah, I've been
thinking about that.
I think that that
was a great plan
to get you through high school.
But we should start looking
at universities now.
Mom, this was always the plan.
I know that was the plan,
but Alex, I'm just
thinking more clearly now
and I don't see how
that plan makes sense.
Especially now that our
connection to Klemtu is gone.
I'm a connection to Klemtu.
I keep telling you,
I just wanna go back.
I just wanna go home.
I can help Don on his boat.
Maybe he won't have to
sell Dave's oyster shop.
I'm not just thinking
of myself here.
Look, we all need
a reality check.
The oyster shop thing,
it's not working.
God, I told Dave not to throw
his money into that place.
And I told him, I
knew it would fail.
So what are you saying,
I should be afraid of failure?
No.
It sure sounds like it.
Alex.
Alex.
(gentle music)
(insects chirping)
(gentle music)
Alex.
(Alex moaning)
Hey look
a tail feather.
Wow.
Hey, do me a favor.
Yeah.
Look after your
mom when I'm gone.
(gentle music)
See where it's split here,
you can put it back together.
It's healed it's whole.
(gentle music)
(birds chirping)
(Alex gasping)
(gentle music)
[Ella] Look, I know
we're not gonna make it.
Tell you the truth,
didn't think you'd
make it this far.
Can't give up now kid.
Gotta dig deep.
Dig deep.
(birds chirping)
All right my people,
let's dig deep.
Klemtu, here we come.
Dig, dig.
(gentle upbeat music)
(Ella laughing)
[Ella] You're working
hard there Alex.
(gentle upbeat music)
(birds chirping)
(gentle upbeat music)
(birds chirping)
(gentle upbeat music)
(Don moaning)
We don't have time for a
break, we're almost there.
We'll just take a
short break and then,
then we head into town
and get a hot meal.
What do you say guys?
No, we can't just go
visiting in Bella Bella,
we're almost at the hearing.
(Don moaning)
You okay Don?
Yeah, no, I'm good.
I just, I just need to
take a break for a bit.
(Don moaning)
Don, are you
having chest pains?
No, no, it's just
a little heartburn.
I just gotta,
just gotta take my spray thingy
and then I'll be good to go.
Don't worry about it.
Your spray thing?
Don, do you have
a heart condition?
It's no biggie okay.
I got a little angina, I
take my spray and I'm fine.
Hey Alex, you wanna get
my kit from the kayak?
Jesus.
You never should have
come on this trip.
Well, I did say
no, if you recall.
I'll be fine.
(Don moaning)
[Alex] Here Don.
Just.
Good kid.
A little slow but good kid.
Look, maybe we
can still make it.
Hearing's tomorrow,
we'll never make up.
Dude, I know it sucks,
but Uncle Don's gotta rest.
I know that.
I know a lot of things, okay.
Just like you.
Like I know that
I'm just a city kid.
And I know that I don't have
what Uncle Bear
tried to passed down.
Hey, come on.
You know what I like most
about the people on the coast?
Their willingness
to help each other.
It's what's so great
about coming from a
place like Klemtu.
You can ask for help and
you'll actually get it.
And that's exactly
what you did here.
You know, you brought
us all together.
(gentle music)
He'd be proud of that.
This whole trip was
a success, Ella.
This was not a success.
This was me failing at
the most important thing
that I've ever had to do.
(gentle music)
(fire crackling)
(gentle music)
(birds chirping)
(zipper opening)
[Dave Voiceover] Your
name comes from Bella Bella.
We're all connected,
all our communities.
One day you'll pick
blueberries on that berry beach
where your name comes from.
Oh my God, a trade bead.
I just need a little help.
(gentle upbeat music)
(Ella panting)
(gentle upbeat music)
(birds chirping)
(gentle upbeat music)
Hey, hey, there she is.
And she got a boat.
(boat engine revving)
Hi.
(gentle upbeat music)
(boat engine revving)
(sings in foreign language)
(drum beating)
(sings in foreign language)
(drum beating)
(sings in foreign language)
(drum beating)
(sings in foreign language)
(drum beating)
(sings in foreign language)
(drum beating)
I want you to sing
that at my funeral okay.
I won't be able to.
I'll be too sad.
And I'll never sing again.
(gentle music)
You'll sing, my girl.
How do you know?
Because your Aunt
Cory and your mom
are horrible singers.
I'm serious.
You'll see, you'll sing.
(gentle music)
(Ella crying)
(boat engine revving)
(gentle upbeat music)
(boat engine revving)
(gentle upbeat music)
(boat engine revving)
I don't love you
I told you
I
Would be dead to you
(gentle upbeat music)
This fire been burning
(singer vocalizing)
(gentle upbeat music)
We made it.
That's all I want
(gentle upbeat music)
(singer vocalizing)
(gentle upbeat music)
(drum beating)
(sings in foreign language)
(drum beating)
They're singing for us.
(sings in foreign language)
(drum beating)
(sings in foreign language)
(drum beating)
(sings in foreign language)
(drum beating)
(sings in foreign language)
(drum beating)
Mom.
Oh.
I missed you.
(sings in foreign language)
(drum beating)
(sings in foreign language)
(drum beating)
(sings in foreign language)
(drum beating)
(sings in foreign language)
(drum beating)
I knew you'd cry eventually.
Will it ever stop?
Yeah it will.
Here, I brought this to put
the last of his ashes in.
Oh, actually.
You saved something to
Barry here, didn't you?
Here.
(all laughing)
Okay.
[Don] Look after
the chief for me.
Let's go to the hearing.
(sings in foreign language)
(drum beating)
(sings in foreign language)
(drum beating)
(sings in foreign language)
Sorry.
Sorry.
Hello, ha...
My English name is Ella Ellis,
niece of the late David Ellis,
who was to speak
before you today.
He passed on to me
the responsibility
of sharing with the jury panel,
for he passed away
earlier this year.
It is my honor to be
here in his place.
I wish to share with
you some evidence,
born of my traditional knowledge
and firsthand experience
with these waters.
I have spent the last month
paddling 500 kilometers
in these waters in a kayak,
and I will tell you
that should tankers
pass through these waters,
the threat of a spill
is not only a potential,
it is a certainty.
The only unknown is how
long would we have to wait
and how many times
would it happen?
There are many things that
threaten our way of life
on this coast.
We are a fishing culture,
we subsist on the sea.
Our people have inhabited
these waters for millennia,
a documented 14,000 years.
But we know from
our oral history
that we have been
here since creation.
We are not the only
ones who have survived
despite attempts
at extermination
in this territory in millennia.
This is the only place on earth
where you can see a spirit bear.
Yet bear and wolf
habitat are not respected
in a world where oil tankers
would destroy estuaries
and spawning grounds that bears
and wolves need to survive.
(gentle music)
I had many things that my uncle
wanted me to share with you
from his vast knowledge
of our territory.
But I'm not gonna do that.
I'm not gonna do that
because I am just a kid
who grew up in the city.
But I'm proud that
I come from here.
My traditional
name is Sisi-kwaka.
It means that traditional way
that women would
pick blueberries.
I thought that I would
live up to my name
and live off the land, but I
didn't find a single berry.
I did find this trade bead.
It tells me I stand where
my ancestors once stood.
And it reminds me that
my future and time itself
are in the direct path
of where the proposed
tanker route lies.
It would only take one
moment and one oil spill
to take away my chance
to know my territory
the way that my uncles do.
I was in a hurry to get
here, but I need a lifetime.
An oil spill on
the inside passage
of the Great Bear Rainforest
would disturb the
final resting place
of my late uncle David Ellis,
who has been laid
to rest at sea.
His remains would
have by now spread
and the entire length
of these waters
from Tla'amin to Klemtu are
his final resting place.
Together, my family and I
let him go in these waters.
It is illegal to
deface a burial ground.
It is immoral to
destroy a culture.
Families like mine
depend on these waters
and the world depends
on the sanctity
of the Great Bear Rainforest
in ways we are only
beginning to understand.
You cannot put tankers
in the inside passage.
(boat knocking)
Boat looks great.
Thanks for taking care of her.
I'll just.
(birds chirping)
Thanks my boy.
Sure you don't
want to come along?
No, I gotta get back to work.
Yeah, sure.
You taking off already?
No.
Why don't you come by Aunt
Marian's, we'll have dinner?
See ya.
(birds chirping)
Mo, sell the shop,
get what you can for it.
I'm keeping the boat.
(boat engine revving)
(insects chirping)
Oh.
This is what we
came all this way for.
Yes.
- Exactly.
- It feels so weird
to be back.
Oh, I'm just glad you
guys made it safely.
- Oh my God.
- Fabulous.
I'm so hungry.
[Don] Just like our Aunt
Marian used to make eh?
- Yeah.
- Mm.
Mm.
- Eat some salmon.
- Hmm-mm.
Pretty uneventful trip
though, to say, eh?
We were like the perfect
family out there right.
(all laughing)
I just wanna say,
you done us proud my girl.
Done us proud.
(speaks in foreign language)
Oh, that was the best meal
I've had since I left here.
Did you try the
Ooligan grease?
That's the thing
I missed most.
Atta boy.
(both laughing)
You know, I'm gonna need a
hand up here handling my boat.
So, if you're looking for a job.
Can I think about it?
I thought you said you
wanted to stay up here.
I just, I think I
gotta go home first.
Like, my other home, you know.
Of course you do.
(wall knocking)
Hey dad.
(gentle music)
(birds chirping)
(gentle music)
Wait.
Stop.
I brought you home, Uncle Bear.
(gentle music)
(Cory crying)
(gentle music)
(all crying)
(gentle music)
(birds chirping)
(Cory crying)
(gentle music)
(birds chirping)
(Cory crying)
(water gushing)
(gentle music)
(Cory laughing)
(gentle music)
(birds chirping)
(sings in foreign language)
(gentle music)
(sings in foreign language)
(gentle music)
(sings in foreign language)
(gentle music)
(gentle music continues)
(sings in foreign language)
(drums beating)
(sings in foreign language)
(drums beating)
(sings in foreign language)
[Dave Voiceover]
People think Klemtu
is just a tiny village in
the middle of the ocean.
But our home is ancient.
And no matter where
we live in the world,
Klemtu is always our home.
When I leave this
earth, I won't be there
to hear you testify for me,
do your best to
speak for our land.
You can't explain to these
people what it's like
to come from such
a special place,
but you can tell them it
deserves to be protected.
(gentle music)
Hau, hello.
My name is Ella Ellis.
I'm honored to speak
before you today.
There are many things
that my late Uncle Dave
wanted to share with
you about our territory.
He didn't live long enough to
share them with me in person,
and I'll do my best to
show them with you today.
(gentle upbeat music)
Oh, no, no, I'm not
paying him a dime.
What?
You try squeezing
blood from a stone.
The place is caving in.
Yeah.
Well, if you want it,
you come and get it.
Don't be so dramatic.
Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow.
Oh, shush.
You're crying now,
you just wait until I
push that barb through.
What?
It's the only way to
take these things out.
You gotta push it
through, snip off the barb
and then pull it back.
No, no, no, no.
There's gotta be another way.
You want me to pull
the barb out backwards?
All right.
It's gonna take half
your hand guts with it,
but suit yourself.
No, no, no, just,
just do it quick, okay.
Okay, that's better.
Now buck up.
Hey, what's up Alex?
(Alex screaming)
Here, simple
Call Alex.
[Voiceover] Sorry,
I didn't get that.
Call Alex.
[Voiceover] Sorry,
I didn't get that.
I'm not gonna cry.
I'm not gonna cry.
(door knocking)
Oh, come in.
Happy last day of school.
In here.
I can't believe school's over.
Yay.
Cory, you're finally grieving.
That's good.
Oh, no, no, no, no.
I'm not going down a
big downward thing.
I'm just, I miss my
students, you know, and.
Oh God, I'm sorry.
You want some.
That's, no thanks.
Here.
- Why don't.
- I just was.
Why don't I just take
this away from you.
Okay.
Hey.
Wow.
You look so much like
your Uncle Bear sometimes.
Aunt Cory.
[Cory] Yeah honey.
Do you think that
Uncle Bear would be mad
if I didn't do his
testimony at the hearing?
What?
Why?
'Cause I can't,
I can't do it.
(car engines revving)
[Reporter] Coming
up after the break,
a tugboat pushing an
American fuel barge
has run aground in BC waters,
spilling 200,000 liters
of diesel and heavy fuel.
The recovery effort has
been hampered by weather
and what local
people are calling,
a slow response
by the government.
More on this after the break.
Hey.
(gentle music)
We ask the tree for teachings
so that we may
know the old ways.
And we ask the
tree for permission
so that we may use its bark.
I need you.
We need you.
You need to ask the jury panel
to stop the fuel barges
from crossing our territory.
They didn't ask our permission,
and they have to
stop that pipeline.
(gentle music)
What if I don't do it right?
And then I let everyone down.
(gentle music)
You have a beautiful voice,
as beautiful as our home.
Now use it.
Testify for me.
Tell them what they'll lose
if they allow oil
tankers along our coast.
They don't even know.
I don't have to say
anything, Uncle Bear.
You're not gonna die.
Everything dies.
That's the whole point.
We never got to do our
kayak trip to Klemtu.
You're supposed to show
me all of these things.
(gentle music)
You'll do it, one day.
(gentle music)
And you'll take me with you.
(gentle music)
(both laughing)
(gentle music)
[Dave Voiceover] You'll
still take me with you.
(people speaking indistinctly)
Mom.
Yeah, baby.
I know what to do.
I'm gonna do the trip
and I'm gonna scatter
Uncle Bear's ashes
in all of the places that he
told me about all the way home.
And that's where he'll rest,
all up the coast
from here to Klemtu.
It'll be our big
kayak trip after all.
He would love it.
Mom wouldn't he?
It's a beautiful idea.
I think it's just too hard.
I knew you would say that,
but here's an idea, what if
Uncle Dawn and Aunt Cory come?
Would you say yes then?
[Ella Voiceover] Don
always says yes to Aunt Cory.
No frigging way.
Are you frigging crazy?
Why don't you just bury
him like normal people do?
Okay, it is a little bit
crazy, but so was Dave.
I mean, you knew him, right?
He stole my action
figures, you know,
he wasn't crazy, he
was just a bastard.
It's not just about
scattering Uncle Bear's ashes.
You know, uncle Bear's
last wish is that
I would do the testimony at
the hearing and come to and,
but I'm not like you, I don't
even know my own territory.
And I need to,
to stop these tankers from
coming in and ruining everything.
It's not just about me or
and Uncle Bear's ashes.
It's about all of us.
It's environmental.
Environmental?
No, I'm not doing it.
Environmental?
It's a bunch of granola
eating, throw their propaganda
and all that BS.
Oh, they come into our
territory, barge in there
with their socks
and their sandals,
and they think they
know what's best.
They don't know shit.
They should just
stick to smoking dope
and drinking their bean
juice for $7 a glass
and breastfeeding their kids
'til they're nine-years-old.
Forget it.
I mean, they drive cars
just like the rest of us.
Bunch of bloody bunch of
petunia wearing hypocrites.
Oh, with their $9
organic leaves.
"Oh, it's organic, it comes
all the way from California."
"A thousand miles."
Yeah, by a truck.
The bunch of idiots.
And you think they're
gonna change their mind
about a pipeline that's gonna
pump oil right to China?
No one wins that fight sister.
And the government.
Oh, this government
is gonna crap oil
all over the place if they want.
And there's nothing that
a little six-year-old
can say about it.
I am 14.
All right, you know what?
You don't need to
decide right now.
You could think about it.
You know, let it roll around
a bit in the old noggin.
And what about your son?
Like, when's the last
time that you saw him?
Just.
What?
What?
I'm hemorrhaging money here.
Your husband left me high
and dry with this place.
I've got renovation bills.
This was supposed to
be our family startup,
but this place is gonna
kill me before it dies.
Plus we can't leave
Alex here alone.
Guy just got a hook in his hand.
They're very pointy.
It was still in the package.
Okay, so you're
thinking about it.
I like your attitude.
I'd be better off
sending your kid with you.
I can go.
What?
Sure.
You'd take these girls on
an environmental kayaking trip
to drown my brother.
Sure, why not?
Sounds kind of fun.
Ah, well, you
wouldn't get far.
This one's six-years-old
and this one,
you've seen her paddle.
Oh, come on,
we're not that bad.
We can do this, Don,
just help us out a bit.
Look, you're
gonna need charts.
You're gonna need a plan.
You have to organize
all your gear.
All totally your element.
We already have the stuff.
We have all of this stuff.
Just help us out a
little bit with our plan.
I got stuff to do.
All right, you guys
come back later
and we'll take a look
through my old trip logs.
Ooh, he's going to help us,
he's gonna help us.
Don, Don, Don.
Don, Don.
But okay, wait, wait, wait.
Does this mean you're
gonna come with us?
I said no.
Or didn't you hear me?
Okay.
Okay, let's give it time.
He's totally gonna help us.
Nice.
Hi mom.
Yeah, uncle Don said yes.
Yeah.
We're paddling to Klemtu.
(birds chirping)
I bet Alex can't wait to
see a spirit bear again.
Uncle Bear always said that
they show themselves to you
when you need something
to make you feel strong.
Yeah, I remember.
(birds chirping)
Aha.
Aha.
(gentle upbeat music)
This here, the root you got.
Oh, hey,
Dave gave this to me.
My Chief from Cuckoo's
Nest action figure.
It's mine.
My dad gave it to
me for my birthday.
I knew he stole it from me.
He just gives it away and goes
and dies on me.
Anyway.
Yeah, this is the route
you guys should take.
Now Alex, you might not
be so useless after all.
How many times you
paddled this way?
Twice.
Once with Dave.
But we left from Vancouver.
So you guys are lucky then
'cause you're
leaving from Tla'amin
it'll make it a short first day.
Now you stick along
the coast area,
you'll avoid crossing the sound.
And you still have
to hit open ocean.
But it shouldn't
be so bad this way.
How was crossing the sound?
It was a little airy.
We were hitting 20
foot swells out there.
Oh my God.
Sorry what now?
I guess I just didn't think
about what we were
actually doing.
Like actually being on
a boat in the real ocean
for a month on a
skinny little boat.
Aunt Cory.
Can we just focus here please?
Now you stick this way,
I think you should hit Bella
Bella in time for the hearing.
But that weather,
it's gotta hold.
It'll hold.
It'll hold.
Yeah.
(Cory screaming)
Jesus.
Why do I have to do this?
Help me.
Look, do you want be
in the middle of nowhere
and then discover you
don't have your tent pegs
or your fly or that you
don't know how to do this?
That's what Alex is for.
Have you seen Alex?
Okay, gotcha.
Okay, can we at
least do this inside?
Well, you won't be
camping inside, Cor.
You gotta be prepared right.
I don't want you guys
dying on me out there.
Maureen would kill me.
All right, all right.
Look, just come help me with
this tent pole here man.
The hook's the wrong way.
It keeps falling off.
Oh.
I see.
Yeah, you keep at it.
Okay, almost there.
Where you going?
Oh, you're doing good.
Keep, keep, keep going.
Looking good, real good.
(Cory speaking indistinctly)
Check, check.
And I want you to call me
if you get into any trouble
or you get lonely.
Good check.
Over and out.
And Cory,
I have Uncle Bear's ashes
to spread along the way.
But I was wondering if
it's possible for me
to keep a little bit of him
in my pouch, possibly forever.
Yeah, of course honey.
You keep him close
to your heart.
Finally doing it, Uncle Bear.
(gentle upbeat music)
(birds chirping)
(gentle upbeat music)
Yep, never gonna make it.
Here we go.
Whoo.
Whoo.
Whoo.
Hi.
Okay,
We can do this.
(gentle music)
[Dave Voiceover] We
say that our spirits
take a last look at this world
to take it all in before
they go on their journey
to the other side.
When you go home to
Klemtu for this hearing,
look at the world
and take it all in.
And all the right
words will come to you.
(gentle upbeat music)
(birds chirping)
(gentle music)
Ahoy.
Hey, mind if we join you guys?
Okay.
Denise, come say hi.
I'm cooking up some
oysters for dinner,
I picked them myself.
Dinner's almost ready, honey.
Told you I'm not
eating those things.
Yeah, I'm not so sure
about those either.
I mean, it's red tide season.
Oh.
See, you guys got
a divorce boat, eh.
[Cory] Alex
What?
We'll, just, you know, we're
just figuring things out.
Oh no, I mean that's just
what they call tandem kayaks.
[Cory] So, how long have
you guys been paddling for?
Two days.
It's our honeymoon.
Yeah.
(Denise laughing)
Oh, right on.
Congratulations.
- Thanks.
- Thanks.
I'll try one of your oysters.
Good, okay.
Wow, that is very impressive.
(waves crashing)
(insects chirping)
(birds chirping)
(insects chirping)
Oh my God, I'm dying.
You okay, Aunt Cory?
Nothing a little
amputation won't fix.
You know, your
bed's ready, mom.
Just leave me here to die.
It's fine.
(Cory moaning)
Thanks.
Oh.
Oh my arms are so sore.
I wish those oysters would
just hurry up and kill me.
Alex.
(Cory vomiting)
- No.
- Come on.
You can do it.
(fire crackling)
(insects chirping)
(fire crackling)
She should come and eat.
(insects chirping)
(fire crackling)
I don't know about
this whole thing.
I mean, I wanted to go just as
much as you in the beginning,
but now it just looks like
we're gonna have to turn back.
No.
No, no way.
Why did you think
she could do this?
Because I wasn't allowed
to go with just you okay.
My mom thinks that
Uncle Don is here.
What?
Dude, you lied to your mom.
(fire crackling)
How far did you think we'd
make it before they found out?
Honestly, that is
the stupidest thing.
That's it.
We leave in the morning.
No.
No, that is not an option.
Don't you get how
important any of this is.
Alex.
(Ella moaning)
(waves crashing)
(zipper opening)
Oh crap.
(zipper opening)
Our food.
Didn't you tie up our food?
No, you said you
were gonna do it.
That was your job.
Great, Alex.
Now we have nothing.
Could you make this any harder?
Well, now what are we gonna do?
Get Alex, I
can't move my arms.
Alex, come here.
What?
I seriously can't move.
You just gotta get
up, mom, come on.
I can't get up
and I definitely can't
get back in a damn kayak
because I cannot get the
hell out of the sleeping bag.
Now please unzip me or I'm
gonna scream, I'm freaking out.
Okay, okay, just chill.
You just gotta stretch, mom.
(Cory screaming)
Okay, I'm done.
You deal with her.
You want me, I.
Don't touch me.
Ow.
Hey, don't blame me
'cause Dave dumped all
this responsibility on you.
It's not my fault
she can't move.
- Oh.
- Or that you lied.
None of this is on me.
What?
Who said that he dumped
any of this on me?
He was my stepdad, remember?
It's just like him to burden
people with mega loads
of responsibility.
You don't know
what you're talking about.
Yeah, I do.
Don's leg broke
now because of him.
He can't do it by himself.
Well, whatever.
Okay, because what
are we supposed to do?
We can't just wait
for her to get better.
And we have no food.
- We're calling for help.
- No, no, no.
- Stop.
- Nope, nope.
Stop.
No, stop it.
No, no, no, no,
(water splashing)
Well, we're screwed.
(birds chirping)
(wind gushing)
Crap.
(boat engine revving)
Oh, thank God,
(birds chirping)
Maureen, you just
take it easy on her,
she was just trying to
honor Dave, all right.
Alex, we're taking
down the tents.
Where's your mom?
She's in there.
Bad oysters.
[Cory] I'm dying.
What the hell were
you guys thinking?
Come on, let's get going
before it gets dark.
No.
Ell, this hearing, you're
too worked up about it.
This beach could be
completely covered in fuel.
I'm not gonna sit in
Vancouver and let that happen.
(birds chirping)
You got to grow up in Klemtu.
It's your place.
And it's Uncle Don's place.
It's even Alex's place and
he's not even from there.
You know, you could help
me make it my place too.
But you don't want to.
Uncle Don, how come
you don't live there?
Mom, why didn't I grow up there?
You left Klemtu.
And when you did, you
took something from me.
It wasn't easy, Ella.
Oh, I know.
- No, you don't.
- Well, you don't know
what I know or what I feel.
There's a hole here.
We all have a Klemtu-sized
hole in our hearts.
That's what it means to be
who we are and live away.
Maybe it doesn't
have to be that way.
I won't know until you
let me go on this trip.
You haven't even
passed the first camp.
It's not safe.
Just let me try, mom.
What's more dangerous?
Some rough waves,
bears, or going hungry
or being stuck in the city
paralyzed to do anything
because you taught me
not to believe in myself.
I'll take 'em.
Come on.
They're not gonna get very far.
Let her try, Mo.
She'll be safe with me.
(birds chirping)
Dave chose the right person
to convince this
jury of anything.
That pipeline doesn't
stand a chance.
Oh, okay, go ahead, try.
But you radio me
when you need help.
Yeah, but what about mom?
[Maureen] I'm not
looking after her.
- Hey.
- So what do you
expect me to do, carry
her on my shoulders.
You can take the tandem.
(Ted vomiting)
And all of our stuff.
If I could just trouble you
for a ride back into town.
Like as a trade, right.
Look, my wife, she's not
loving this adventure.
And in fact, she said
it was either the
honeymoon or divorce.
So, you know, and besides
these devil oysters
are coming out both
ends right now.
Hey, don't blame the oysters.
(Don exhaling)
You are about as good at roughing
it as you are at business.
It's deal.
Yeah.
Rise and shine princess.
(Cory moaning)
You just take it easy.
(birds chirping)
Yeah, I think it was
right around here.
I caught the biggest
load of crab ever.
Oh that's the life,
eh, crab fishing.
Hey Cor, Dave, ever
take you crabbing?
Aha.
What?
No.
But you like crab though, eh?
I seem to remember
you at one sitting
putting away three crabs.
Ah.
What's that?
Nothing.
You gotta turn your head Cor.
Otherwise your voice just goes
straight out in front of you
and the person at the
stern can't hear you.
It's one of the
annoyances of the tandem,
otherwise known as
the divorce boat.
So the simple solution,
you just turn your head
and the person at the
stern can hear you.
Or we could just stop talking.
Seriously Cor,
I can't hear you.
I said, oh, sorry.
Yeah, I was thinking if
I ever get my boat sold,
I could help you out
with house expenses
or whatever you need.
Do you really think
that selling the boat's
the way to get the
store back on track.
How much do you think you're
gonna get for it anyway?
It's not exactly a super yacht.
It's a good boat.
Plus my fishing license
alone, it's worth a lot.
Keep the boat.
At least you have
something to show for it.
Don't be an idiot.
No, I think I liked it better
when I couldn't hear you.
(gentle upbeat music)
(birds chirping)
(gentle upbeat music)
(birds chirping)
(gentle upbeat music)
Ah, ah this is nice
little ramp, eh?
This place is really old.
They used to launch big
oceangoing canoes off here.
Really?
It's amazing.
Okay, here?
Yeah.
Thanks.
(gentle upbeat music)
(birds chirping)
(gentle upbeat music)
[Dave Voiceover]
Whenever you are in a place
where our ancestors once walk,
you can really feel the
power that still lives there.
(gentle upbeat music)
(birds chirping)
(gentle upbeat music)
(birds chirping)
(gentle upbeat music)
[Dave] Do you
remember what this is?
It's a wild blueberry.
(Dave laughing)
Your name comes from
your auntie in Bella Bella.
We're all connected,
all our communities.
She gave that name to you and
your mom to share, remember?
I know.
Well tell them that one
day you will pick blueberries
on that very beach where
your name comes from.
Uncle Bear,
I thought I was
gonna feel something.
I don't know what I'm
supposed to see, I'm sorry.
(gentle music)
(birds chirping)
Land ho.
Like, I gotta give Mo a call
and see how she's making out.
I think we should split up
so we're not setting
up camp in the dark.
Ooh, can I come with you?
She wants to know if
she can come with you.
Yeah, sure, knock
yourself out, kid.
Alex, you and your
mom set up camp, yeah.
Sure.
Hey Ella, you remember
where camp is?
Duh.
Nice to be on land
for a little bit.
Hey, get me a
cheeseburger, I'm starving.
Oh yeah, I'm all over it.
Thinks I'm her chauffeur
and now I'm a waiter, geez.
I just gotta check my messages.
Do you want anything?
I'm gonna get those jujubes
that uncle Bear used to love.
Yeah, whatever kid,
knock yourself out.
Hey Mo, it's me.
Yeah, well, they
haven't given up yet.
It won't be long though.
(Don laughing)
Okay, how's it going there?
You found a buyer for the shop?
(Don laughing)
Oh, that guy.
Yeah, no, he wants me to
sell it to him for a loss.
Well, because it's stupid.
I'm not losing.
Look, you just wanna piss Dave's
money away just like that?
Well, I'm not losing the
business and the money.
Find another buyer.
Oh my God, oh my God.
Hurry, hurry, hurry.
Okay, okay, slow down, geez.
(Alex laughing)
I told you not to
eat those oysters.
(Alex laughing)
Oh my god, mom.
Oh geez.
I pooped myself.
I pooped myself.
That doesn't feel good.
(birds chirping)
How are you doing?
Warm enough?
Whoo, am I ever
with this awesome,
super absorbent camping towel?
I guess I'll get
the tent ready then.
So what's it like
staying at the store.
Is it totally gross?
I don't know.
It's not bad.
Kind of like it.
Well, you know that
you can come home
whenever you want, anytime.
Well, unless you're
moving to Klemtu,
it's not really my plans.
Plans can change though.
No, they, they can't.
I mean, you said I'd lived
down south for one year
and then I could
go do what I want.
Just wish that your plans
weren't to be so far away.
I'm going home, mom.
Home's wherever you
want it to be, Alex.
No, it's not.
I don't belong in
the city like you.
You know, I was
raised in Klemtu.
Ever since you took
me out there, I just,
I just miss it, okay.
Home isn't some
dungy storage room
just because I sleep there.
You just said that
You like it there.
Sometimes I just say
things you want to hear.
(birds chirping)
[John] What's up, campers?
You guys snagged
the good spot.
An outdoorsman eh?
You wanna see something cool?
Sure.
I'm John.
That's Greg, my trusty guide.
He knows these forests like
the back of his hand, eh Greg?
Yep.
You guys just
out for a paddle?
Yeah, something like that.
John.
Hey, be cool man.
You don't have to show him.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Come here.
[Greg] Don't show him, man.
[John] No, he's
gonna like this.
(gentle music)
Oh God.
[Cory] What?
Hey man, I thought
you were an outdoorsman.
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.
Hey, what is it?
Hey, what is it?
It, it's, it's a
grizzly, they skinned it.
It's just, it's
head and it's hide.
Isn't that illegal?
No, we have a license.
(birds chirping)
Okay, honey, just
take a deep breath,
keep unpacking okay.
(gentle music)
What'd you do that for?
I thought he'd be into it.
What?
No, I mean, the bear.
What, you just leave
the meat in the woods?
Hey now, look, I know
what you're gonna say,
but we got the utmost
respect for bears, okay.
I'm a licensed outfitter.
We are in the proper area.
It's legal, look it up.
I don't care that
it's legal, okay.
It's totally inhumane.
I'm a good shot lady.
That bear ran not 20 feet
before she went down.
I was right there.
Let's go man.
Yeah I guess.
Later neighbors.
Have a good night.
(gentle music)
(birds chirping)
(gentle music)
It's okay, it's okay.
I hate them so much.
(Alex crying)
I know.
Hey, look at me.
(Alex crying)
You're okay.
Don't cry.
We don't cry.
(gentle music)
(waves crashing)
Hey Blue Cheeseburgers
[Don] And marshmallows.
Got any wine in there?
Ah, you wish.
Burger me, I'm starved.
Thank you.
How come you
didn't start a fire.
We got distracted
by the birds.
Birds, eh?
Yeah.
(waves crashing)
Hey, you know what guys?
I think I'm gonna
hit the hay too.
Thank you.
(waves crashing)
Well, looks like
I'm starting the fire.
I'm gonna make marshmallows.
Want yours crispy?
Black is my heart.
Oh really?
(fire crackling)
(insects chirping)
(fire crackling)
(insects chirping)
(fire crackling)
Yeah.
(fire crackling)
(insects chirping)
(fire crackling)
No.
What the heck are you doing?
Here, close your eyes.
Open your mouth.
And whoa, wait, don't chew,
and don't swallow,
just taste it.
And?
What color does it taste like?
Green.
Okay, check.
(both laughing)
Wrong.
That was an easy one.
All right, well
gimme another one.
Okay.
(insects chirping)
(fire crackling)
(insects chirping)
You get it?
Do I get what?
Why these were
Uncle Bear's favorite.
See, they don't taste
good but they're fun.
Hmm?
You got it
Purple.
Okay.
(both laughing)
[Don] Huh?
Okay, gimme another,
gimme another one.
- Okay.
- Ah.
Hmm.
Purple.
Yeah?
Geez, it's like these
fish think I have forever.
(Dave laughing)
That's not funny.
It's a little funny.
After I'm gone, I
want you to know
that you always have a
place with my family.
You can walk around Klemtu.
And anyone bugs
you, you remind them
that I adopted you as my own.
You tell them that sometimes
water is thicker than blood
and you're an ocean boy
and you love this water
and these creatures
and these people
as much as I do.
Remember, you can always
go back to Klemtu okay.
I said so.
(gentle music)
(Alex crying)
(waves crashing)
Uncle Bear, is this where
I used to find the moss
that made my throat feel
better when I got sick?
How is it that you used
to find eagle feathers
and trade beads?
I can't even find
a single berry.
(waves crashing)
I only want you to
be in special places.
I don't know if this is it.
(waves crashing)
[Don] Oh, come
on, you're tough.
Mm, coffee.
What do you say,
Alex, can we push off?
Last section that's protected
before the open ocean,
you up for it?
Yeah, what's a little
open ocean got on us?
[Don] Ella?
Yeah, yeah.
Let's pack it up.
You want me to take something?
Oh, okay.
(waves crashing)
You okay?
I'm fine.
(waves crashing)
All aboard.
(Don laughing)
Atta girl.
Love your attitude.
Whoo-hoo.
Oh yeah.
Oh yeah very funny.
Oh, oh.
Ah.
I'm free.
You're going the wrong way.
(gentle upbeat music)
Hi.
Hey.
Wow.
- Hey.
- Holy smokes.
That's amazing.
Pretty awesome.
Yeah, I've seen one before,
go right under my kayak.
Hey guys, I don't like
the looks of this weather.
I think we should head back
and wait for it to pass.
No way, we'll be fine.
We wait for it to pass.
It's not safe.
That's the bottom line.
You know what
guys, he's right.
It looks risky.
I'm scared.
All right, let's back it up.
Ella.
Fine.
(rain gushing)
Oh my God, we
shouldn't have come.
It's not that bad.
Are you crazy?
It'll blow over.
Yeah.
(rain gushing)
Oh my God.
(rain gushing)
What?
This is not happening.
(gentle music)
(rain gushing)
(gentle music)
(rain gushing)
(gentle music)
(rain gushing)
(gentle music)
(rain gushing)
Oh yeah.
Kayaking, adventure,
yeah, it'd be great.
(gentle music)
(rain gushing)
(gentle music)
(rain gushing)
(gentle music)
(rain gushing)
(gentle music)
(rain gushing)
(gentle music)
(wind gushing)
(waves crashing)
(wind gushing)
(waves crashing)
(wind gushing)
Oh, nice.
It's lifted.
(wind gushing)
Let's go.
Too windy.
Well, we can't just
wait around anymore.
I'm gonna miss
the whole hearing.
Ella, be real,
look at those waves.
Oh, come on, I'll prove it.
What are you doing?
Don.
(wind gushing)
Do something.
Huh?
(wind gushing)
Ah, just let her go.
Maybe she needs to learn
what too windy means.
Maureen's gonna kill me if
something happened to her.
Ah, she'll get tired soon.
She'll come back.
(wind gushing)
(gentle music)
(wind gushing)
(gentle music)
(wind gushing)
(gentle music)
Ella.
Ah, those girls.
(dramatic music)
(wind gushing)
(dramatic music)
Ella.
Ella.
(dramatic music)
(wind gushing)
(dramatic music)
Oh no.
Dave.
No.
Dave.
(Cory screaming)
(dramatic music)
Don.
Don.
(dramatic music)
Come on.
Come on, come on.
I got you.
[Alex] What happened?
Oh, nothing.
Decided to take an
early swim, that's all.
We're fine.
[Alex] Are you okay?
Yeah, she's good.
She's good.
Just catch your
breath over here.
Hey Aunt Cory.
Have a seat.
Alex got a blanket.
Hey Aunt Cory, I'm sorry.
I'm sorry, okay.
We're fine.
You're fine.
We all made it.
It's fine.
Here.
I dropped him.
I dropped Dave.
What?
What do you mean
you dropped Dave?
I tried to put him
in my life jacket.
[Alex] Oh mom.
I was.
What?
Why were you holding him?
I don't know.
I just, he was in the,
I just panicked.
So, so you lost all of him?
Ella, take it easy.
It was an accident.
No.
What about Uncle Bear?
Now he's just buried here.
Oh my God.
I didn't mean to.
(gentle music)
(waves crashing)
(gentle music)
(waves crashing)
(gentle music)
Oh geez.
Okay.
Oh.
All right.
You know what?
In a way, this is
probably better.
Like, Uncle Bear probably
would've been happy
it was mom who spread his ashes.
She didn't spread them though.
She dropped them all
at once, accidentally.
Yeah, but isn't
that the point?
I mean,
when he didn't have much longer,
Uncle Bear told me that
this is what he wanted.
You're making that up.
No, for real.
He wanted to be
part of the coast.
Spreading his
ashes was my idea.
I don't know everything
Ella,
Dave told me lots
and lots of things.
But he loved you the most.
(wind gushing)
See,
see we use solar power to pump
water over the oyster seeds.
And then when
they're big enough,
they go back to
the ocean in cages.
And there are no fossil
fuels used at all.
It is totally sustainable.
Which is why I love it.
Okay, just hold on.
Dave, look around, this
place is a money pit.
Don't do that.
I need this.
I need something that'll
bring my family together.
You can get behind
that, can't you?
(gentle music)
(waves crashing)
(gentle music)
(birds chirping)
Look guys, whales.
Ella, whales.
"Ooh look at the whales.
"I spilled my husband."
"Look at the whales."
Oh, I can see them.
(all laughing)
Oh wow.
Ella.
Here.
Thanks.
So you two just not
talking to each other
for the rest of the trip then?
It was an accident, Ella.
Don't get in the middle, Alex.
I'm not.
I'm just saying we're
all in this right?
He wasn't your uncle.
I only lived with
him half of my life.
Come on, it wasn't
that big of a deal.
He would think
this was hilarious.
Save it for Miss. Oopsie Daisy
Ella wasn't her fault.
She dropped him.
Of course it's her fault.
All right then be mad.
What do you care, anyways?
You were blaming Uncle Bear
for your money problems.
You just wanna sell your boat.
You don't care about the ashes,
you don't care
about the hearing.
All you care about is yourself.
Hey.
I can see why Dave chose
you to do his testimony.
You're just like him.
Oh.
I take that as a compliment.
Aha.
I just want you to know
it's not your fault, Cory.
I know it's not my fault.
This is all Dave's
fault, not mine.
He's the one who inspired Ella
to go dumping his
ashes in the water.
This is all what he wanted.
He had to go die
and ruin everything.
(birds chirping)
And so he got a
lovely burial at sea
and I hope he's
god happy with it.
So what then?
We still got a
hearing to get to.
I mean, you got a
boat to sell in Klemtu?
So what if I do?
My brother was nothing
but amazing to you
and to anyone
who's ever met him.
But he was a shit businessman.
I mean, it's gonna take me years
to dig out of the
mess that he made.
Even if I do sell the store.
Don, why didn't you tell us
that you were in
that much trouble?
You were a little
burdened at the time.
And your husband just died.
Yeah, that.
So what do you say we
got Ella to this hearing?
I mean, it was his dying
wish and all that, geez.
All right?
All right.
Here, let me in there.
Thank you.
Wait, I'm not gonna
ride in that with her.
Oh, you two, you got
some crap to work out.
And you think we're gonna
do it in the divorce boat?
Or die trying.
(gentle upbeat music)
You disturber.
(both laughing)
[Don] Come on, I'll race you.
[Alex] Oh, you're on.
(gentle upbeat music)
I can't believe you
lost Dave and the paddle.
I was trying to
look after you.
I didn't ask you to.
(gentle upbeat music)
(birds chirping)
(gentle upbeat music)
(water gushing)
(birds chirping)
(sings in foreign language)
(gentle music)
(sings in foreign language)
(gentle music)
(fire crackling)
(sings in foreign language)
(gentle music)
(sings in foreign language)
(gentle music)
(sings in foreign language)
(Cory gasping)
What?
Nothing.
(gentle upbeat music)
(seals barking)
Oh my God, look at the seals.
Hi seals.
They're sea lions.
Stellar sea lions.
Oh yeah.
These little rascals are part
of your testimony, right?
I remember hearing you
and Dave practicing
talking about how the
tankers coming through
and dwindle the population.
They're so beautiful.
That's the coolest
thing I've ever seen.
(gentle upbeat music)
(Don moaning)
Oh, come on.
You gotta do that right here?
Sorry, but the little
boys' room is occupied.
Couldn't you just
go behind the tent?
I mean, it's right there.
What and miss this
beautiful sunset?
Don't you mean the moonrise?
(all laughing)
You wish girls, you wish.
- Ew.
- Ew.
Oh God.
Good to see you two
laughing for a change.
[Alex] They're
laughing at you.
[Don] Good thing I
didn't go commando.
(all laughing)
- Don.
- Oh God.
Oh my God.
(speaks in foreign language)
[Alex] Come on Don.
What are you doing?
[Don] Gonna go seal wrestling.
[Ella] Whoo, go Don.
(gentle music)
[Alex] How's the water?
Come on in, it's warm.
[Dave Voiceover] We
used to strip cedar bark
to make everything we needed.
The forest saved us.
Now we look for trees that
were stripped long ago
so we can save the forests.
They can't log in a place
where there are trees like that
because they're markers.
They mark our existence
here from before contact.
So if you find a tree like that,
you'll know your people
stood there before you.
That tree is a part of you.
How are we doing
for time, Don?
Well there I thought
we'd make it all the way,
but we just had
too many setbacks,
and that bloody tandem.
Ella's gonna kill me
if we don't make it.
We gotta at least try.
I don't see how we can do it
without getting some
horsepower underneath us.
I mean, surely it's
faster if you or Alex
paddles the tandem
with Ella in front
And what, you paddle solo?
Yeah, why not?
(Don laughing)
Oh, you're serious.
It's all my fault.
Slowed everyone down.
There's nothing that
we can do about it now.
How come you never
remarried, Don?
And Dean, he must be what?
17 now.
You really need to see
him when we get to Klemtu.
Don't wait too long to
make up with your son, Don.
You wanna talk parenting, Cor?
Your kid's living in my shop?
Touche.
(gentle upbeat music)
Ella, take the solo.
Oh, thank God.
Yeah, yeah.
I'm just saying.
Alex, what'd you
do me the honors?
Oh, come on.
Okay guys, from now on we're
gonna call this the fun boat.
Okay, Alex, would you take
the fun boat with me please?
Yes fun boat, got it.
(gentle upbeat music)
Got it, thank you.
See.
- Yeah.
- The fun boat.
We're having fun already.
Whoo.
(Cory laughing)
(gentle music)
(insects chirping)
Uncle Don.
Huh?
What made you decide
to come on this trip?
And don't say that it was
'cause you thought we
couldn't do this alone
'cause we're nailing this.
(Don laughing)
I don't know.
I saw what kind of
Uncle Dave was to you
and how you're honoring him.
Just made me think of my son,
he certainly wouldn't
do any of this for me
and I wouldn't blame him.
(birds chirping)
Anyways, we should get going.
(gentle music)
Oh, hey look, we aren't
the only crazy ones out here.
Yeah, last time
I was out here,
there were loads more people.
Was that with Dave?
Yeah.
Just before he got diagnosed.
(gentle music)
How are you doing
with all that?
You asking me this now?
(gentle music)
Guess, guess I'm
not very good at this.
That's fine, mom.
We don't cry, remember?
Anyways, I'm doing
fine at the shop.
Soon enough we'll be moving
back up to Klemtu, so.
Yeah, I've been
thinking about that.
I think that that
was a great plan
to get you through high school.
But we should start looking
at universities now.
Mom, this was always the plan.
I know that was the plan,
but Alex, I'm just
thinking more clearly now
and I don't see how
that plan makes sense.
Especially now that our
connection to Klemtu is gone.
I'm a connection to Klemtu.
I keep telling you,
I just wanna go back.
I just wanna go home.
I can help Don on his boat.
Maybe he won't have to
sell Dave's oyster shop.
I'm not just thinking
of myself here.
Look, we all need
a reality check.
The oyster shop thing,
it's not working.
God, I told Dave not to throw
his money into that place.
And I told him, I
knew it would fail.
So what are you saying,
I should be afraid of failure?
No.
It sure sounds like it.
Alex.
Alex.
(gentle music)
(insects chirping)
(gentle music)
Alex.
(Alex moaning)
Hey look
a tail feather.
Wow.
Hey, do me a favor.
Yeah.
Look after your
mom when I'm gone.
(gentle music)
See where it's split here,
you can put it back together.
It's healed it's whole.
(gentle music)
(birds chirping)
(Alex gasping)
(gentle music)
[Ella] Look, I know
we're not gonna make it.
Tell you the truth,
didn't think you'd
make it this far.
Can't give up now kid.
Gotta dig deep.
Dig deep.
(birds chirping)
All right my people,
let's dig deep.
Klemtu, here we come.
Dig, dig.
(gentle upbeat music)
(Ella laughing)
[Ella] You're working
hard there Alex.
(gentle upbeat music)
(birds chirping)
(gentle upbeat music)
(birds chirping)
(gentle upbeat music)
(Don moaning)
We don't have time for a
break, we're almost there.
We'll just take a
short break and then,
then we head into town
and get a hot meal.
What do you say guys?
No, we can't just go
visiting in Bella Bella,
we're almost at the hearing.
(Don moaning)
You okay Don?
Yeah, no, I'm good.
I just, I just need to
take a break for a bit.
(Don moaning)
Don, are you
having chest pains?
No, no, it's just
a little heartburn.
I just gotta,
just gotta take my spray thingy
and then I'll be good to go.
Don't worry about it.
Your spray thing?
Don, do you have
a heart condition?
It's no biggie okay.
I got a little angina, I
take my spray and I'm fine.
Hey Alex, you wanna get
my kit from the kayak?
Jesus.
You never should have
come on this trip.
Well, I did say
no, if you recall.
I'll be fine.
(Don moaning)
[Alex] Here Don.
Just.
Good kid.
A little slow but good kid.
Look, maybe we
can still make it.
Hearing's tomorrow,
we'll never make up.
Dude, I know it sucks,
but Uncle Don's gotta rest.
I know that.
I know a lot of things, okay.
Just like you.
Like I know that
I'm just a city kid.
And I know that I don't have
what Uncle Bear
tried to passed down.
Hey, come on.
You know what I like most
about the people on the coast?
Their willingness
to help each other.
It's what's so great
about coming from a
place like Klemtu.
You can ask for help and
you'll actually get it.
And that's exactly
what you did here.
You know, you brought
us all together.
(gentle music)
He'd be proud of that.
This whole trip was
a success, Ella.
This was not a success.
This was me failing at
the most important thing
that I've ever had to do.
(gentle music)
(fire crackling)
(gentle music)
(birds chirping)
(zipper opening)
[Dave Voiceover] Your
name comes from Bella Bella.
We're all connected,
all our communities.
One day you'll pick
blueberries on that berry beach
where your name comes from.
Oh my God, a trade bead.
I just need a little help.
(gentle upbeat music)
(Ella panting)
(gentle upbeat music)
(birds chirping)
(gentle upbeat music)
Hey, hey, there she is.
And she got a boat.
(boat engine revving)
Hi.
(gentle upbeat music)
(boat engine revving)
(sings in foreign language)
(drum beating)
(sings in foreign language)
(drum beating)
(sings in foreign language)
(drum beating)
(sings in foreign language)
(drum beating)
(sings in foreign language)
(drum beating)
I want you to sing
that at my funeral okay.
I won't be able to.
I'll be too sad.
And I'll never sing again.
(gentle music)
You'll sing, my girl.
How do you know?
Because your Aunt
Cory and your mom
are horrible singers.
I'm serious.
You'll see, you'll sing.
(gentle music)
(Ella crying)
(boat engine revving)
(gentle upbeat music)
(boat engine revving)
(gentle upbeat music)
(boat engine revving)
I don't love you
I told you
I
Would be dead to you
(gentle upbeat music)
This fire been burning
(singer vocalizing)
(gentle upbeat music)
We made it.
That's all I want
(gentle upbeat music)
(singer vocalizing)
(gentle upbeat music)
(drum beating)
(sings in foreign language)
(drum beating)
They're singing for us.
(sings in foreign language)
(drum beating)
(sings in foreign language)
(drum beating)
(sings in foreign language)
(drum beating)
(sings in foreign language)
(drum beating)
Mom.
Oh.
I missed you.
(sings in foreign language)
(drum beating)
(sings in foreign language)
(drum beating)
(sings in foreign language)
(drum beating)
(sings in foreign language)
(drum beating)
I knew you'd cry eventually.
Will it ever stop?
Yeah it will.
Here, I brought this to put
the last of his ashes in.
Oh, actually.
You saved something to
Barry here, didn't you?
Here.
(all laughing)
Okay.
[Don] Look after
the chief for me.
Let's go to the hearing.
(sings in foreign language)
(drum beating)
(sings in foreign language)
(drum beating)
(sings in foreign language)
Sorry.
Sorry.
Hello, ha...
My English name is Ella Ellis,
niece of the late David Ellis,
who was to speak
before you today.
He passed on to me
the responsibility
of sharing with the jury panel,
for he passed away
earlier this year.
It is my honor to be
here in his place.
I wish to share with
you some evidence,
born of my traditional knowledge
and firsthand experience
with these waters.
I have spent the last month
paddling 500 kilometers
in these waters in a kayak,
and I will tell you
that should tankers
pass through these waters,
the threat of a spill
is not only a potential,
it is a certainty.
The only unknown is how
long would we have to wait
and how many times
would it happen?
There are many things that
threaten our way of life
on this coast.
We are a fishing culture,
we subsist on the sea.
Our people have inhabited
these waters for millennia,
a documented 14,000 years.
But we know from
our oral history
that we have been
here since creation.
We are not the only
ones who have survived
despite attempts
at extermination
in this territory in millennia.
This is the only place on earth
where you can see a spirit bear.
Yet bear and wolf
habitat are not respected
in a world where oil tankers
would destroy estuaries
and spawning grounds that bears
and wolves need to survive.
(gentle music)
I had many things that my uncle
wanted me to share with you
from his vast knowledge
of our territory.
But I'm not gonna do that.
I'm not gonna do that
because I am just a kid
who grew up in the city.
But I'm proud that
I come from here.
My traditional
name is Sisi-kwaka.
It means that traditional way
that women would
pick blueberries.
I thought that I would
live up to my name
and live off the land, but I
didn't find a single berry.
I did find this trade bead.
It tells me I stand where
my ancestors once stood.
And it reminds me that
my future and time itself
are in the direct path
of where the proposed
tanker route lies.
It would only take one
moment and one oil spill
to take away my chance
to know my territory
the way that my uncles do.
I was in a hurry to get
here, but I need a lifetime.
An oil spill on
the inside passage
of the Great Bear Rainforest
would disturb the
final resting place
of my late uncle David Ellis,
who has been laid
to rest at sea.
His remains would
have by now spread
and the entire length
of these waters
from Tla'amin to Klemtu are
his final resting place.
Together, my family and I
let him go in these waters.
It is illegal to
deface a burial ground.
It is immoral to
destroy a culture.
Families like mine
depend on these waters
and the world depends
on the sanctity
of the Great Bear Rainforest
in ways we are only
beginning to understand.
You cannot put tankers
in the inside passage.
(boat knocking)
Boat looks great.
Thanks for taking care of her.
I'll just.
(birds chirping)
Thanks my boy.
Sure you don't
want to come along?
No, I gotta get back to work.
Yeah, sure.
You taking off already?
No.
Why don't you come by Aunt
Marian's, we'll have dinner?
See ya.
(birds chirping)
Mo, sell the shop,
get what you can for it.
I'm keeping the boat.
(boat engine revving)
(insects chirping)
Oh.
This is what we
came all this way for.
Yes.
- Exactly.
- It feels so weird
to be back.
Oh, I'm just glad you
guys made it safely.
- Oh my God.
- Fabulous.
I'm so hungry.
[Don] Just like our Aunt
Marian used to make eh?
- Yeah.
- Mm.
Mm.
- Eat some salmon.
- Hmm-mm.
Pretty uneventful trip
though, to say, eh?
We were like the perfect
family out there right.
(all laughing)
I just wanna say,
you done us proud my girl.
Done us proud.
(speaks in foreign language)
Oh, that was the best meal
I've had since I left here.
Did you try the
Ooligan grease?
That's the thing
I missed most.
Atta boy.
(both laughing)
You know, I'm gonna need a
hand up here handling my boat.
So, if you're looking for a job.
Can I think about it?
I thought you said you
wanted to stay up here.
I just, I think I
gotta go home first.
Like, my other home, you know.
Of course you do.
(wall knocking)
Hey dad.
(gentle music)
(birds chirping)
(gentle music)
Wait.
Stop.
I brought you home, Uncle Bear.
(gentle music)
(Cory crying)
(gentle music)
(all crying)
(gentle music)
(birds chirping)
(Cory crying)
(gentle music)
(birds chirping)
(Cory crying)
(water gushing)
(gentle music)
(Cory laughing)
(gentle music)
(birds chirping)
(sings in foreign language)
(gentle music)
(sings in foreign language)
(gentle music)
(sings in foreign language)