Truth and Bright Water

Tecumseh accompanies his father as Elvin smuggles medical waste from Truth back to Bright Water. The drive gives Elvin the opportunity to reflect on the difficulties of being Indigenous in Canada, as well as to ask Tecumseh about his experiences with sex, drugs, and drinking. Tecumseh is uninterested in these topics and instead tries to ask his father about why he and his mother separated; Elvin deflects. Elvin gives Tecumseh the opportunity to drive the truck, and Tecumseh struggles with figuring out how to drive a manual vehicle.

Tecumseh explains that his mother and Cassie used to be inseparable when they were younger. He learns from his grandmother that his mother became a beautician because Cassie had also wanted to be one. When Tecumseh asks his grandmother questions about Cassie’s potential involvement in the American Indian Movement, his grandmother changes the subject.

Tecumseh remembers one story of his mother’s friendship with Cassie in particular. When the two were younger, they went on a double date with Elvin and Franklin to a fancy restaurant. Halfway through, the women decided to go to the restroom together and change their outfits. When they returned, Elvin and Franklin didn’t notice the switch.