In the heart of Kahnawake, a Mohawk reserve, lives a bright preteen named Tekehentahkhwa, affectionately known as “Beans.” This story unfolds as Beans navigates the complexities of her identity and the challenges faced by her community.
Beans is encouraged by her mother, Lily, to apply for a prestigious school in Montreal, a predominantly white institution. However, her father opposes this idea, creating a tension within the family. This internal conflict sets the stage for Beans’ journey of self-discovery and resilience.
The story takes a pivotal turn when Beans and her family see their cousin Karahwen’hawi on television, passionately protesting the expansion of a golf course into Kahnesatake territory. Motivated by a sense of duty, the family drives to support the protestors, highlighting the importance of community and solidarity.
The Mohawk land is surrounded by the town of Oka, Quebec, which seeks to encroach upon a historic Mohawk cemetery. As tensions escalate, Beans and her little sister find themselves caught in a police raid, which only strengthens their parents’ resolve to stay and support the protest. The atmosphere becomes charged as barricades are erected, isolating Kahnesatake territory and leading to food shortages.
Amidst the chaos, Beans befriends April, an older girl who embodies the rebellious spirit Beans aspires to emulate. April introduces Beans to a world of smoking, cursing, and navigating friendships with boys, often through violent means. This friendship becomes a significant influence on Beans as she grapples with her identity.
As the situation intensifies, the army replaces local police, further escalating tensions between the military and the protestors. Beans, her younger sister Ruby, and their mother Lily are relocated to a nearby hotel with other Mohawk women and children. Here, Beans experiences a pivotal moment at a party with April and older teens, where she drinks alcohol and shares her first kiss with April’s brother.
However, the night takes a turn when Beans starts a fight with a white girl, leading to her family’s removal from the hotel. This incident underscores the challenges Beans faces as she navigates her environment and the consequences of her actions.
Beans, Ruby, Lily, April, and April’s brother manage to sneak back home just as Lily goes into labor. While her mother is in labor, Beans attends a campfire with April and her friends, where she faces a troubling encounter with April’s brother, who becomes aggressive when she refuses his advances. This moment reveals the darker realities of their lives and the complexities of their relationships.
Seeking help, Beans turns to April, who implies that her father—and possibly her brother—has been sexually abusing her. This revelation adds another layer of complexity to Beans’ understanding of friendship and trust.
After a period of turmoil, Beans returns home to find that her mother has safely given birth. As time passes, Beans helps April escape from her father’s home, allowing her to move in with her grandmother. This act of loyalty highlights the deep bonds of friendship and the importance of support within their community.
Beans and her family meet with Hawi, who announces that an agreement has been reached to protect the native burial ground, preventing the golf course expansion. This victory is a testament to the resilience of the Mohawk community and their commitment to preserving their heritage.
With the community’s victory behind her, Beans embarks on a new chapter as she starts at the prestigious private school. Proudly introducing herself as Tekehentahkhwa, she embraces her identity and the journey that lies ahead.
Beans’ story is one of resilience, friendship, and the struggle for identity amidst adversity. As you explore the themes of this powerful narrative, consider watching the Beans Full Movie Free to experience the full depth of this inspiring journey. Join Beans as she navigates her world, and witness the strength of a community united in the face of challenges.