Bear Clan Patrol unveils new headquarters

Bear Clan patrol is moving downtown, as a new headquarters was unveiled here at the Women’s Health Clinic building, as part of a partnership that looks to benefit both organizations.

Bear Clan, a volunteer security group that helps Indigenous people stay safe in inner city neighbourhoods used to work out of West Broadway in what some have called a “closet.” But now with their new headquarters on Graham Avenue, Executive Director Kevin Walker says it will help them better serve the community.

“We can get down from where we’re at 190 we can cover a lot of areas throughout, so we can almost intermingle with our patrols to cover as much as we can,” explained Kevin Walker, the executive director of Bear Clan Patrol Inc.

Executive Director of Women’s Health Clinic Kemlin Nembhard says their partnership with Bear Clan was a no-brainer as they align with their clinic and values

“When you have groups of people coming together it just amplifies the work you can do,” said Nembhard. “It’s also a benefit that we have a clinic so if they find people in need of medical assistance we’re right there.”

This comes at a time when a lack of programs and services for community members in downtown Winnipeg is greater than ever, which Mayor Scott Gillingham acknowledged

“Some of the challenges that are downtown, yes, we have them, we recognize them, but it’s partner agencies that reworking on the frontlines that are improving conditions of lives that are at the heart of our community,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham.

While there is still some setup to be done in the new headquarters before Bear Clan can call it their own, Walker says they are ready to get back on the streets.

“We’ve been trying to do as much as we can without having it open to the public as much, but now that we have done our grand opening we’ll be ready to work,” said Walker.

The new headquarters will be open from Wednesday to Sunday.