Portage la Prairie Bear Clan Coordinator Renata Beaulieu passed away at the age of 45 on Friday, July 22nd, 2022.

The Bear Clan says their hearts are with Renata and her family at this time, and they will follow her "example of commitment and dedication for positive change and reconciliation in our community". Renata stepped into the role earlier this year on a temporary basis to fill in for Manon Timshel who is on maternity leave.

Renata was born in Portage on November 17, 1976. She completed her grade 12 at Sandy Bay School and went on to graduate from Brandon University with a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education and in 2019 completed her Masters in Education (Special Education). Renata was a high school teacher at Portage Collegiate and volunteered on multiple boards at the high school. Renata loved teaching and learning as she was planning on taking a second Masters course in 2023.

The Bear Clan says they will continue with any prior commitments that have been made, noting community safety is their priority. The Needle Team and Care Package programs will continue as usual. The Bear Clan continues to recruit volunteers, and they will hold an information/sign-up booth at the Portage Potato Festival next weekend.