Where the Spirit Lives (1989)

Cynthia Debassige: Esther

Quotes 

• Esther : So what do we got here? A real, live bush Indian. A real little savage.

  [upon meeting Astokomi] 

• Komi : My family's all dead! They all got sick. They all died.

  Esther : Why you never told me that? But you still Indian ain't you? I don't know nothing about being Indian. Never had no family, been here all my life. But I still feel it, that don't ever die.

  Komi : No. It don't die.

• Komi : Dear Jesus, if this is a bad thing, I hope you forgive us.

  [smiles as Esther begins ritual] 

  Esther : You are my friend and now we are sisters. The moon is our grandmother. She brings... she brings...

  Komi : ...life to the earth.

  Esther : - life to the earth and the dew of the night as you will bring life to the earth. You are Amelia and now you will be - what should I call you?

  Komi : You say.

  Esther : I don't know. What did your name used to be?

  Komi : Astokomi.

  Esther : And now you will be Astokomi, again. Even when we become stars in the sky and your daughters and in their daughters, where you have given life, you will live forever.

• Esther : I can't go with you. This has always been my home. I'm too scared. I'll never forget you.

  [hugs Astokomi before she runs away]