I Heard the Owl Call My Name
What is the oolachon and how is it celebrated?
Chapter 10
Chapter 10
March also brings Oolachon (candlefish) season. This fish provides a significant food source for the tribe as well as the gleena (fish oil) that they use like the white community uses butter. Tradition dictates the protocols, and the whole tribe participates. Mark observes the process and the resulting penetrating smell of processing the fish and oil. During this time, the RCMP sergeant comes to Mark in the village with a picture of an Indian girl found dead recently in Vancouver. It is Keetah's sister. Mark identifies her, but he also wants Jim to see the photo and tell the family. As the sergeant leaves, Mark's eyes begin to reflect the sadness he has seen in the villager's eyes.