All our relatives

Crescentwood

There is so much for us to learn during Indigenous History Month and some of the best lessons originate at the grassroots level.

Bear Clan Patrol Inc. hears the stories and the personal histories of all our relatives when patrolling the streets of Winnipeg. “We listen, we don’t judge,” says executive director Kevin Walker. Likewise, lead co-ordinator of West Broadway/Downtown Bear Clan Patrol, Angela Klassen, says “we make sure our relatives are taken care of.”

Caring for the most vulnerable involves many facets of compassion and skill. While volunteers came from a variety of backgrounds, individually or as part of workplace teams or interest groups, a common thread is the desire to help.

The Winnipeg Bear Clan model of helping has been emulated in cities such as Brandon, Man., and many locales in Saskatchewan and Alberta. The highest compliment an organization can receive is recognition by one’s peers and Ottawa did just that. Their Odawa Native Friendship Centre is learning from Winnipeg’s Bear Clan with their Makwa Dodem Patrol initiative. When the heart of the country teams with the political capital a caring community can spread across the nation with First Nations leading the way.

It’s not just Winnipeggers who support Bear Clan. On the coldest and I do mean coldest day this past winter, Boondocks Bristo, catering specialists, found on Instagram and Facebook, braved the elements and drove from Rennie, Man., to bring one hundred hot meals to the unhoused in West Broadway. They did it again in March and for owner Tabitha Lacey, it was a “labour of love,” as she has empathy for people “who don’t know where their next meal is coming from.”

That labour of love continues for Bear Clan founding member Mitch Bourbonniere recipient of the 2026 University of Manitoba Alumni Award for his community work. Bear Clan volunteers, social work practicum students and everyday folks who see the need, join them on “Mitch’s Walk” along Main Street, sharing food, clothing and a listening ear. It is all about community and the relationships built by those such as Mitch and Bear Clan who renew hope for those all too often overlooked.

It is important to remember not only during a month dedicated to Indigenous history, but every day that many of the vulnerable are second and third generation survivors of residential schools.

Besides feeding bodies Bear Clan Patrol nourishes the spirit with respect and kindness. Seen in her ribbon skirt, Angela Klassen spreads the word at schools, universities, businesses, service agencies and government offices and shares stories from the street. She is also the liaison to Winnipeg Police Service for missing persons working closely with detectives and Crime Stoppers to help families and friends find their loved ones. Her tireless work earned her the Paul Harris Fellowship Award from Rotary Winnipeg/International.

“Every patrol is different,” says Angela. “It varies from disposing of discarded needles, to working with paramedics, from giving out bottles of water and socks to escorting folks to safety.”

Every month history is being rewritten thanks to Winnipeg’s caring community. If you would like to walk the walk with Bear Clan contact info@bearclanpatrol.org or 204-956-2400.

I am committed to truth by building relationships with the original peoples of this land and learning from their stories to bring us together. You can suggest a story for a future column at heather.emberley@gmail.com