56 pages • 1 hour read
David A. RobertsonThe Great Bear
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2021A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Background
Historical Context: Canada’s Residential School System
The Great Bear is set against the backdrop of contemporary Canada and is informed by the historical experiences of Indigenous people. In particular, it highlights the legacy of the residential school system and the complexities of the foster-care system in Canada.
Historically, the Indigenous peoples of Canada have faced systemic oppression and cultural erosion through the residential school system. Established in the late 19th century, these schools aimed to assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture, often through brutal and inhumane methods. The schools were notorious for their harsh discipline, cultural suppression, and widespread abuse. The impact of this system has been far-reaching, resulting in generational trauma, loss of cultural identity, and the disruption of Indigenous family structures. This historical context is reflected in the emotional and cultural struggles of the characters in Robertson’s narrative, particularly as they navigate issues of identity, belonging, and cultural reclamation.
In parallel, the novel touches upon the contemporary realities of the foster-care system in Canada, which disproportionately affects Indigenous children. These children are often removed from their families and communities, leading to a sense of displacement and a struggle to maintain their cultural identities. The story of 
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