Bourbonniere among the 2018 Manitoba Heroes

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This article was published 22/10/2018 (2864 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Mitch Bourbonniere is a hero to many people, which makes his selection as one of the 2018 Manitoba Heroes all the more fitting.  

The lifetime Old St. Vital resident is among the names that were recently put forward as one of this year’s five Manitoba Heroes. According to a news release, the sixth annual Manitoba Heroes list was determined by a panel of community members earlier this month.

The list of 2018 Manitoba Heroes, along with the respective organizations they have chosen to support with their award, also includes David Beakley — The Dream Factory; Leila Castro — 204 Neighbourhood Watch Inc.; Shirlee Preteau — Never Alone Foundation; and Valarie Thompson — Orange Daisy Project. Bourbonniere selected Drag the Red as his chosen organization.

“I feel extremely honoured because of the company I’m keeping,” Bourbonniere, who is a half-time social worker in Louis Riel School Division, told The Lance recently.

“I’m beyond ecstatic. It’s an honour to be considered for this award.”

As well as his work with LRSD, the 55-year-old — who was one of 15 Manitobans who received a Governor General’s Award for Outstanding Indigenous Leadership earlier this year — also facilitates the Ogijita Pimatiswin Kinamatwin program (OPK), which supports individuals aged 16 to 40 who want to make positive changes in their lives. Bourbonniere is also involved with the Bear Clan Patrol and the Mama Bear Clan, and he advises different community groups that want to patrol their neighbourhoods. He also volunteers with Got Bannock Inc. and Drag the Red.

Drag the Red was founded by Bernadette Smith after 15-year-old Tina Fountaine’s body was found in the Red River in 2014. According to its Facebook page, members of the volunteer-driven Drag the Red search for “all missing men, women, two-spirited people and children.” Smith’s sister, Claudette Osborne, disappeared in 2008.

Noting his respect and admiration for Smith, who is now MLA for Point Douglas, Bourbonniere said members of Drag the Red head out on nights in the spring, summer, and fall. “Volunteers go up and down the river looking for clues about missing and murdered people,” he said.

Bourbonniere said the group tries to have at least one boat on the water at any one time, but says that maintenance to the boats and their motors can be costly, and funds are also needed to put gas in the boats and feed the volunteers.

“I’m just thankful to all of the volunteers who help out, I’m thankful to anyone who supports endeavours like this, and I’m thankful to Bernadette Smith.”

Manitoba Heroes recognizes, celebrates, and awards Manitobans who do extraordinary things to contribute to their community, without thought of reward for themselves, and helps support their named charities, organizers say.

“To be in our sixth year and still be impressed and amazed at the calibre of nominees is humbling,” said Paul Bennett, the founder of Manitoba Heroes, in the news release.

“It’s an honour to recognize these very deserving individuals, their work, and help their charities in a small way so they can continue helping Manitobans.”

The Manitoba Heroes Gala will be held on Sat., Oct. 27 at the Club Regent Event Centre.

Visit ourmanitobaheroes.ca to learn more about the awards, or the gala dinner.

Go online at mitchbourbonniere.com for more information about Bourbonniere.

Visit Drag the Red’s Facebook page to learn more about the organization.