The Great Bear

Examine how The Great Bear addresses the impact of colonialism on Indigenous communities, particularly in the context of residential schools and the foster-care system. How does the novel use its characters and plot to comment on these historical and ongoing issues?

Analyze the use of time travel in the novel. How does this element serve as a metaphor for understanding and connecting with one’s heritage and history? Discuss how the novel uses time travel to bridge the gap between past and present.

Examine Morgan’s and Eli’s character arcs in The Great Bear. How do their experiences in Misewa and on Earth contribute to their personal growth and understanding of their Indigenous heritage? Discuss how the novel uses their transformations to comment on the broader journey of self-discovery and cultural reconnection in Indigenous youth.

In The Great Bear, how are cultural exchange and adaptation portrayed through the experiences of Morgan and Eli in Misewa? Discuss how the novel uses these themes to explore the complexities of living between two different cultures.

Analyze the representation of Indigenous metaphysics and spirituality in The Great Bear, particularly through the characters’ interactions with the natural world and spiritual beings. How does the novel integrate these elements to enrich the narrative and deepen the understanding of Indigenous worldviews?

Evaluate the commentary The Great Bear offers on the impact of technology on modern life. How does the novel contrast it with a life connected to nature and tradition? In what other ways does the novel critique contemporary society’s disconnection from the natural world?

How does The Great Bear illustrate the contrast between the Indigenous world of Misewa and the modern world? Discuss how this contrast highlights the challenges and conflicts faced by the main characters as they navigate between these two realms.

How does The Great Bear utilize the tradition of storytelling within its narrative structure? Analyze the role of storytelling in preserving culture, transmitting values, and shaping the characters’ understanding of their world. What other functions does storytelling serve in the novel?