Portage Bear Clan responds to pandemic

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This article was published 14/09/2020 (2150 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

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t’s a sign of the times that Portage la Prairie Bear Clan has now implemented a four-tiered system to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

It’s a sign of the times that Portage la Prairie Bear Clan has now implemented a four-tiered system to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The four protocols directly correlate to the colour-coded provincial pandemic response system. 

To develop these protocols, Bear Clan co-ordinator Manon Timshel teamed up with Dr. Jenwa Beaupre, a local physician who acts as a medical officer for the Indigenous Women’s Council.

“We went through the pandemic response system to look at all the colours and the restrictions that were associated with them,” Timshel explained. 

“Green is limited risk, yellow is caution, orange is restricted and red is critical.”

Since the Portage area is currently in the yellow zone, the Bear Clan isn’t restricting the number of volunteers for its outdoor patrols. 

“All volunteers are welcome. We don’t have any restrictions on vulnerable persons or persons over the age of 65. Masks are mandatory, as is the provincial recommendation for any gathering,” Timshel said. 

“Social distancing is strongly encouraged, and we’re permitted indoors to wear masks and distance. Also, we are still able to distribute food and beverages.”

Patrol captains check the colour code prior to each patrol, and they remind volunteers to stay home and isolate if they feel ill. 

“Our volunteers have been incredibly understanding and really helpful and co-operative. It helps to have everything clearly outlined so we can just refer to one source,” Timshel said.

Since COVID seems to be here to stay for a while, the new system makes it easier to adapt to changing situations. 

“We need a framework for how we’re going to respond if we want to expand and grow and continue to act strongly during this time,” Timshel said.

To keep up with demand, more patrol captains are needed to join the team, she added.

“The Bear Clan model is female-led, male-supported. We have our Indigenous Women’s Council and they, in turn, are answerable to our elders,” she said.

“We are looking for more male involvement. We want to see more men on patrols and we are also hoping for more patrol captains, who can be male, female, Indigenous or non-Indigenous.”

Patrol captains also need to be over 18 and enjoy working with others.

“We provide all the training. We’re looking for friendly people who can commit to four hours minimum a month of volunteer work with us,” said Timshel, who is attaining certification as a non-violent crisis intervention instructor.

“Four hours a month means one patrol plus one meeting. Our patrol captain kits are now equipped with naloxone to provide first response for opioid overdose, and we also carry first aid kits and EpiPens. We’re really grateful to our entire team and volunteers.”

For more information or to get involved as a patrol captain, call 204-595-9017 or send a message to Portage la Prairie Bear Clan through Facebook.