Monkey Beach

The narrative returns to the present. Lisa is at home with her Aunt Edith. Lisa’s mom calls, but there is still no news of Jimmy. Edith feeds Lisa, who ruminates on the making of traditional oolichan grease, smoked salmon, and other Haisla delicacies. Lisa walks into Jimmy’s room and notes how neat and organized it seems. She thinks about his girlfriend, Karaoke (Adelaine Jones), and about how he had taken down his swimming medals and trophies.

Lisa remembers a childhood fishing trip with her family in which she goes off in a boat with Mick. She waves at a white man and boy who Mick claims not to see. They fish for oolichan in the Kemano river. Lisa thinks about different American Indian languages, and the various spellings and pronunciations of oolichan. Lisa takes a turn driving the boat, and she and Mick go to some hot springs and set crab traps. She says she wants to live with Mick. They get back to the beach at Kemano, where Lisa’s mother and Uncle Geordie and Aunt Edith are there. Lisa hears a strange sound she thinks is laughter.