Winnipeg Bear Clan Patrol Chapter
Thunder Bay, On – UPDATE- We had the honour to interview James Favel, the Co-Founder of Bear Clan Patrol Incorporated. NetNewsLedger first had the opportunity to interview Mr Favel in May 2016.
James who is 50 years of age was raised in the Elmwood neighbourhood of Winnipeg. He has worked as a bouncer and a truck driver. He came to revitalizing the Bear Clan Patrol after the death of Tina Fontaine.
This young Indigenous girl, a relative of James Favel, slipped thru the cracks of the child welfare and justice systems that failed her, while in the custody of Children and Family Services in 2014.
On Feb. 23, 2018, the day after the trial ended where Ray Cormier was acquitted from those charges for her death, the Crown decided to not appeal the case. More than 1,000 people gathered to pay homage and march in honour of Tina and to pray for the support of her family.
“The Bear Clan teachings emphasizes the nature of healing and personal growth thru ceremonies and practices of our seven sacred teachings to all who search out a simiiar path in lIfe.” Anonymous Elder
NetNewsLedger had the privilege to talk with the Executive Director of Bear Clan Patrol Incorporated James Favel again with an update on the achievements and to speak of the good medicine that is being spread through the City of Winnipeg and throughout Turtle Island. The Bear Clan Patrol chapter of Winnipeg has been motivated with the understanding of traditional responsibility of providing security of peace reconciliation mental wellness and conflict resolution for crime prevention that affects the Indigenous communities in Treaty 1 Territory.
With an explanation of the recent donation made to Bear Clan Patrol Inc of $200,000 from the City of Winnipeg and Bell Canada to help support the initiatives, the new Bear Cave will hold many gatherings and teachings to assist with all diverse cultural people who need the help. This is something new. The struggle is real. But with the education and cultural component, the new Bear’s Den now has a phone number to answer any questions regarding activities taking place or for upcoming information on food distribution or to drop off donations.
You can reach them directly at (204) 219-1052 between 1:30 pm and 6:00 pm daily for clothing or have a hot cup of coffee and a sandwich with soup. There is always somebody there to talk too or for simple directions. Everyone is welcome in good faith, love and peace.
Netnewsledger will keep you updated on their successes of Reconciliation.
