I am trying to use chart.js for the first time, and I can't seem to connect the dots. I realize the advice is probably "don't use charts.js" so I will stipulate that. Otherwise, anyone have any suggestions where I might find a completed example or NetSuite specific go-by or guide? Thanks, in advance.

If you're trying to do 'real' web front end stuff in NetSuite I recommend essentially scrapping Suitelets and use a popular web framework of your choice (or no framework if you prefer) and simply host the html/js files in the file cabinet.