The Great Bear

In the initial chapters, several overarching themes and motifs emerge: The Significance of Indigenous Culture, Mythology, and Storytelling and The Relationship Between Humans and the Natural World, particularly the tension and overlap between traditional, Indigenous ways of life and modern, technology-driven existence. This conflict is embodied in the protagonists, Morgan and Eli, who find themselves torn between two worlds––contemporary life in Canada and the mystical, traditional world of Misewa in Askí.

The question of cultural identity is particularly prominent in the character development of Morgan and Eli. Their time in Misewa offers them a deeper connection to their Indigenous roots, which contrasts with their experiences in the foster-care system in Canada. This juxtaposition highlights the struggle many Indigenous people face in maintaining their cultural identity in a world that often marginalizes traditional ways of life.

The impact of technology and its contrast with a life connected to nature and tradition is another key theme. The characters’ reflections on the overuse of technology in their “earthly” life versus the natural, tech-free existence in Misewa underscore the novel’s commentary on modern society’s disconnection from the natural world. This theme is not only a commentary on societal dependence on technology but also a medium for exploring deeper issues of cultural exchange, adaptation, and the dichotomy between science and spirituality. Morgan and Eli’s experiences in Misewa, devoid of modern technological distractions, offer a contrast to their life in Canada. Misewa, a place deeply connected to nature, tradition, and spirituality, represents a world where survival and daily life are intimately tied to the natural environment. This setting allows the siblings to engage in traditional practices such as hunting and gathering, which are not merely survival skills but also acts of connecting with and respecting nature. The novel uses this contrast to underscore the idea that modern society’s reliance on technology often leads to a disconnection from the natural world and a loss of simpler, more relational ways of living.

This theme of technology versus nature also intersects with the question of science versus spirituality. In Misewa, the characters’ lives are guided by spiritual beliefs and practices rooted in their connection to the land, embodied by Ochek’s afterlife as a constellation. These beliefs often stand in contrast to the scientifically driven, technology-centric approach of the modern world. The characters’ journey in Misewa becomes a metaphor for exploring a more holistic understanding of the world, one that values spiritual connections and the wisdom of traditional practices as much as scientific knowledge. The novel suggests that science and spirituality can coexist and complement each other, offering a more rounded and balanced understanding of the world.

Additionally, the chapters delve into the characters’ emotional landscapes, particularly dealing with loss, grief, and belonging. Morgan’s interactions with Ochek’s constellation and her conflicting feelings about scientific reasoning versus spiritual beliefs highlight her internal struggle with accepting loss and finding her place in the world. This personal conflict is mirrored in the larger narrative, reflecting the broader struggles of Indigenous people reconciling their past and present, including the Journey of Self-Discovery for Indigenous Youth. Other major conflicts are introduced in this section, like Morgan’s dilemma about whether to contact her birth mother and Eli’s mysterious stress about attending school. Morgan’s successful hunt—a first for her—foreshadows how the characters will grow in the novel by embracing their Indigenous roots.

The idea of being caught between two worlds is a significant and recurring motif in Indigenous literature, including in The Great Bear and the other books in this series. Robertson’s Indigenous characters navigate the complexities of maintaining their traditional cultural identity while engaging with the broader, often non-Indigenous, society. This duality often leads to internal conflict and a quest for identity as individuals strive to find a balance between these seemingly disparate worlds. This theme reflects the broader historical and social context of Indigenous peoples, particularly in countries like Canada and the United States, where colonial practices disrupted Indigenous cultures and communities. Indigenous literature often explores the consequences of this cultural dislocation, including the loss of language, traditions, and a sense of belonging. As such, Robertson situates his series in the broader context of Indigenous literature, using modern themes and images to bring a new generation of readers into this tradition. The characters’ experiences of being caught between two worlds become a narrative tool to highlight issues of cultural preservation, identity crisis, and the impact of colonization. This also extends to the text’s exploration of spiritual and physical realms. Indigenous cultures traditionally emphasize a spiritual connection to the land and the natural world, which is sometimes at odds with the secular, material focus of modern Western society. This spiritual dimension is important in understanding the internal conflict experienced by Indigenous characters who strive to uphold their traditional beliefs and practices in a world that may not recognize or respect them.