Green Grass, Running Water

Pages 115-126, 150-157, 171-192, 214-224

Charlie replays his conversation with Alberta about the fact she is seeing both Lionel and Charlie. Charlie works for Duplessis, the law firm representing a company building a new dam on Indigenous land. Eli, Lionel’s uncle, opposes the dam, which has caused frequent arguments with Alberta. He convinces himself that she will come around and see things his way and books a plane ticket to Blossom. Upon his arrival, Charlie regrets his decision. He feels even worse once he discovers his rental car is a beat-up, old red Pinto. In his room, Charlie watches a Western on the TV and considers what Alberta could possibly see in Lionel, whom he considers inferior. He concludes Alberta must feel sorry for him. In the movie, a voice he recognizes catches his attention; his father is playing the chief.

Charlie’s father, Portland Looking Bear, was a movie star. He started as an extra but worked his way into larger parts, often playing stereotypical depictions of Indigenous chiefs. He stopped getting parts because his nose was deemed to be the “wrong” shape and he refused to wear the ridiculous, oversized rubber nose directors demanded. Charlie’s family returned to the reserve, and Portland got a good job working for the band council.