Path of Souls

Of First Nations background originally from central Manitoba, Jon Beardsley, a Ph.D. candidate, dies one week before he was scheduled to embark on his final field trip to complete his dissertation taking spiritual indigenous American teachings, most specifically related to place, and applying them to standard theories of physics relating to questions of the universe. He is survived by his Caucasian wife, Grace Beardsley, a post-doctorate in medicine. At Jon's traditional native memorial service held at Bannock Point on the shores of Lake Winnipeg, Grace is reacquainted with Jon's best childhood friend, Brandon Eckhardt. With Jon having foreseen his own imminent death, Grace learns that Jon has left her a series of pre-recorded video messages which are triggered by GPS coordinates linked to Grace's cell phone. What she quickly learns from those messages is that Jon wants her to complete his dissertation research by taking that final field trip he could not. Brandon decides to accompany her on this trip throughout North America. Beyond the expected emotional toil, they know that the process will not be an easy one being two Caucasians delving into the workings of indigenous culture. And beyond Jon's want for the research to be complete, Grace and Brandon may each have their own goals for this geographic and spiritual journey related to their own lives, Grace's especially in the role of Jon's widow.