Peter and Ruth Spencer have received impossible news - the suicide of Alex, their youngest son. They are the parents of five adult children; James and Zan who are genetically linked; Kathleen, Tim, and Alex who are adopted. Now Alex's family of origin, believing the adoption was never finalized, wants his body.
The Family first threatens to steal Alex's body and then, at a series of Big House meetings, plans to get a court injunction. They want to put the funeral and burial on hold and the body on ice until Alex is legally their property. Alex's parents must put aside their grieving as they search for proof of their son's adoption and wait to hear if they will be allowed to take care of his final arrangements.
A Salish First Nations cultural event, a Burning, helps both families come to terms with their loss.