The Great Bear

The quote “Truly, the only immortal thing in either world was stories” (173) from The Great Bear resonates within the framework of Indigenous cultures, in which storytelling is not just a mode of expression but a vital conduit to understanding the world and maintaining a connection with the past. In these cultures, stories, myths, and words are not static entities; they are dynamic, living forces that imbue life and animate the world around us.

Central to many Indigenous worldviews is the concept of animacy, where everything in the universe is alive and interconnected. Stories, in this context, are more than just narratives; they are inherent in nature itself. They give voice to the mountains, rivers, animals, and ancestors, ensuring that these entities are not merely objects in the landscape but active participants in the ongoing story of existence. This view of animacy elevates storytelling to a sacred act, one that breathes life into the past and makes the ancestors present.

Indigenous myths and legends, therefore, are not merely tales of what has been but living narratives that continue to evolve and adapt. Each telling of a story is not just a repetition but a recreation, allowing for new interpretations and understandings to emerge. This fluidity means that myths are not confined to the past but are relevant and responsive to the present and the future. They are dynamic tools for teaching, guiding, and exploring possible ways of knowing and being. In The Great Bear, the reverence for stories as immortal entities that transcend time and space is an acknowledgment of this fluidity and the creative power of storytelling. The novel’s engagement with Indigenous myths and legends is an act of reimagining, making these stories relevant to contemporary audiences while maintaining their cultural significance. By doing so, the narrative honors the tradition of storytelling as a creative and living process, one that allows for the continuous presence and influence of ancestors and the natural world.

This perspective of storytelling as a living, breathing entity that carries the wisdom of generations is crucial in understanding Indigenous approaches to knowledge and existence. These are often worldviews that see stories not just as entertainment or moral lessons but as fundamental to understanding one’s self, one’s community, and the universe and maintaining balance and harmony in all of these areas. In this light, stories are not just told; they are experienced, lived, and breathed, making them a crucial aspect of the cultural and spiritual lives of Indigenous peoples.

Further emphasizing the reality and vitality of these stories, the narrative asserts, “The stories we tell here aren’t fantasies. They’re real, all of them” (88). This quote highlights the Indigenous worldview that blurs the perceived lines between myth and reality. In many Indigenous cultures, myths and legends are not seen as fictional creations but as truths that provide insight into the spiritual world and the natural order. These stories often explain creation, animal behavior, and the origins of natural phenomena, serving as fundamental truths that guide daily life and spiritual understanding. By presenting these stories as real, the novel pays homage to the Indigenous way of knowing and perceiving the world, where mythology is intertwined with reality and history.

In The Great Bear, stories and myths are a kind of medicine that heals, transforms, and empowers. This portrayal aligns with many Indigenous worldviews, where storytelling and/or mythmaking are dynamic and vital forces, deeply intertwined with the fabric of life and culture. Throughout the novel, stories act as connectors, bridging the gap between generations and realms. Characters like Morgan and Eli, who struggle with their cultural identity, find solace and understanding in these tales. The teachings embedded within them guide the characters, much like traditional medicine, imparting healing properties to the soul.

The transformative power of these narratives is illustrated in the characters’ development. Morgan’s evolving perception of Muskwa, shifting from fear to empathy, exemplifies how stories can catalyze personal growth and change perspectives. This transformation mirrors the healing process, where medicine alters and rejuvenates the physical body. Moreover, stories in the novel are instrumental in reclaiming and preserving cultural heritage. In the face of colonial erosion, storytelling becomes a vital means of safeguarding language, history, and customs. It’s akin to a medicine that protects the community’s cultural health and ensures its continuity.

Finally, the narrative empowers its characters through these stories. They inspire action and bravery, as seen in the collective decision to confront challenges and in the characters’ journeys of courage and self-discovery. Ultimately, The Great Bear elevates storytelling to a potent force that heals, educates, transforms, preserves, and empowers, reflecting the profound respect and importance of storytelling in Indigenous cultures.