After taking a brief hiatus when provincial social distancing regulations were instituted, the Portage Bear Clan is back patrolling Portage la Prairie streets while adding a calming presence in the community.

The local group, which first hit the streets in January of 2020, was inspired by the original Bear Clan Patrols during the 1990s. The organization offers street patrols as a community-based solution to crime prevention, while also providing a sense of safety, solidarity, and belonging to both its members and to the communities it serves.

Portage Bear Clan coordinator, Manon Timshel, says this is achieved in a non-violent, non-threatening and supportive manner primarily through relationship building and reconciliation.

“Portage la Prairie Bear Clan has been patrolling the streets of Portage once a week… reporting dangerous situations and creating and maintaining community connections,” Timshel says, and notes the group has altered its methods because of COVID-19. “We assist those that have been directed to self-isolate, have lost income, or are social distancing by providing basic food items and hygiene products. A part of our core values is the protection of community with emphasis on our women and children.”

All patrol captains are trained in First-Aid and safe sharps disposal as well as Naloxone administration and basic self-defense. And as an added measure, the organization unveiled its Needle Team late last month.

“We were noticing that the community was requesting sharps to be disposed of from their neighbourhoods, however, we did not have the manpower to patrol every street in Portage. Thus the Needle Team was born,” explains Timshel. “Concerned citizens may now message us on Facebook and a trained member will come to the location of the sharp and dispose of it accordingly.”

The Bear Clan is made up of an Indigenous Women Council, which consists of nine members including a Chair, Co-chair, Treasurer, Medical Officer, and citizens at large. Its leadership Committee has eight active members - and is currently looking to fill two vacant positions.

Together, these members are responsible for forming new initiatives, day to day operations and community outreach, and is supported by roughly 50 additional volunteers. A number the group hopes will climb once restrictions surrounding gathers are lifted.

The Portage Bear Clan has been afflicted with similar challenges that most businesses and organizations are facing during COVID-19, including lack of face to face communication, confusion, and uncertainty but has been diligent in adapting to the new working conditions.


The group returned from its brief hiatus with restrictions in place for the number of volunteers that it could accept, both in numbers and demographics, to best ensure safety.

“We maintain strict social distancing measures for all of our operations,” notes Timshel. “We implemented a basic screening procedure for our staff and volunteers regarding travel and health.”

Timshel adds that the community feedback from these measures has been quite positive and the support and patience of the public during these trying times are truly appreciated.

“Our members are passionate about Bear Clan and our team strives to be solution-focused and positive in all our interactions,” she says. “Our valued volunteers that cannot currently patrol with us are saddened to be ‘on the bench’, however they have been gracious and supportive of our measures.”

For more information, visit the Portage Bear Clan Facebook page or its website https://www.portagebearclan.org.