Plot of Medicine Walk

This story introduces the main characters, Frank Starlight and Eldon Starlight, in the wilderness of Canada. This story builds background on Franklin’s complicated relationship with his father. Franklin agrees to take Eldon into the wilderness to have a “warrior’s death”. Along the way, Eldon begins sharing painful stories from his past, including trauma, addiction, and personal failures. Near the end of their journey, Eldon finally reveals the truth about Franklin’s mother and the circumstances surrounding her death, giving Franklin a complete background on his father’s past. After the confession, Eldon passes away, and Franklin carries out his father’s final requests. The emotional tension eases as Franklin begins to process everything he has learned. Franklin heads back toward the life he left behind, carrying with him a new understanding of his identity and his past.

Exposition

Setting: British Columbia wilderness and rural landscapes
Main Characters:

Franklin Starlight — a sixteen-year-old Indigenous boy raised by an old man.
Eldon Starlight — Frank’s alcoholic biological father.
The Old Man (Bunky) — the man who raised Frank, a quiet and wise figure.

Background: Frank has little knowledge of his father or his heritage. The old man teaches him survival skills and values, but avoids speaking of Frank's origins.

Rising Action

Eldon, dying of liver failure, sends for Frank and asks him to take him into the wilderness so he can be buried in the “warrior way” in a special place from his past.
Frank agrees, and the two set out on a physically and emotionally difficult journey into the backcountry.
Along the way, Eldon shares painful memories of his life — his time in residential school, war experiences, love, mistakes, and regrets.
Frank struggles with anger, resentment, and a longing for understanding about his father’s absence and his own identity.

Climax

Eldon’s full confession: Eldon finally reveals the deepest, most painful secret — the circumstances surrounding the death of Frank’s mother, Angie.
He admits to his failures, cowardice, and the role he played in Angie’s death, confronting his guilt.
This moment is emotionally charged and represents the breaking point in their relationship, where truths can no longer be avoided.

Falling Action

Frank processes Eldon’s revelations and, despite his anger and sorrow, decides to honor his father’s final wish.
He prepares Eldon’s grave in the sacred place Eldon requested, performing the burial in accordance with traditional ways.
Frank shows quiet compassion and strength, performing the rituals his father never taught him but that he intuitively understands.

Resolution

Eldon passes away, and Frank buries him as promised.
Frank leaves the burial site alone but with a new understanding of his own identity, his heritage, and the complexities of his father’s life.
There’s a sense of spiritual continuity and quiet resilience as Frank carries his people’s stories and traditions forward.