Set on the Kidabanesee reserve in Northern Ontario, Silas Crow is a young man confused about his direction in life; he wants to take an automobile mechanic's course in college, but is uncertain whether he should apply. His general confusion with life is most readily evident in his appearance. He wears an old, ratty black hat resembling a fedora, as well as a long, black trenchcoat. Frank Fencepost is Crow's best friend, and Sadie Maracle is his girlfriend. Events are set in motion when a young girl from the reserve is murdered by Clarence Gaskilll, a white man who gets off with a light sentence, prompting the community to demand vengeance.