What is the significance of the bear in "Touching Spirit Bear"?
The spirit bear is actually a subspecies of a black bear. They are called Kermode Bears after the man who studied them. They are NOT a form of polar bear; their white color comes from a recessive gene having to do with hair color. You will find them on the central and northern coast of British Columbia, Canada. At the present time, it is believed that there are fewer than 100 left and the species is endangered. They are called spirit bears because of their ghost-like appearance. Cole Matthews is actually fighting a species of bear. There are some good pictures on the internet.
What is the significance of the circle on the totem pole in Touching Spirit Bear?
In Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen, Cole Matthews chooses to undergo a form of justice called "Circle Justice" to atone for smashing a boy's skull into the sidewalk. "Circle Justice" is a program offered as an alternative to jail. Unlike jail, the goal is for offenders to heal themselves, and be re-integrated into society. "Circle Justice" derives from a Native American/First Nations practice.
As Cole completes the "Circle Justice" program, he also learns about other Native American and First Nations traditions, such as spirit quests and totem poles. Cole learns that totem poles are meant to explain ancestry and tell stories. Cole incorporates symbols into his totem pole that have meaning. Cole carves animals that he wants to respect, such as the eagle which represents pride and power, and the beaver which represents patience and ingenuity.
During Cole's work with "Circle Justice" and his carving of the totem pole, he realizes that he has to work to let go of his anger at society, and seek forgiveness from those he has wronged. Cole seeks forgiveness from Peter, the boy he hurt at the beginning of the story. Together Cole and Peter carve the circle into the totem pole to symbolize anger and forgiveness of anger.
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