About Mitch

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Mitch Bourbonniere, M.S.W., M.S.M., M.B., O.M., C.M.H.W. (C/A) 

​​As a community helper and a founding member of the original Bear Clan Patrol, Mitch Provides support services for Mount Carmel Clinic, Downtown Community Safety Partnership (DCSP), Fox Lake First Nation, Community204, Anishative, Saabe Peace Walkers, Ndinawe Mac, Aboriginal Health and Wellness, Circle of Life Thunderbird House, Urban Circle Training, Spirit Horse, North Point Douglas Women’s Centre, North End Women’s Centre, Infinity Lodge, Whistling Winds Action Therapy, Bruce Oak Recovery Centre, Youth Probations, CEDA Pathways, and the North End Community Renewal Corp.

Mitch Volunteers with Mama Bear Clan, Ogijiita Pimatisiwin Kinamatwin (OPK Manitoba), No Stone Unturned, Main Streets Got Talent, Sprucewoods Sundance, Backpacks from Heaven, and the woman leaders for MMIWG. 

Mitch is a Board member with Onashawewin, Red Road Lodge, and Gonzaga school.

Mitch co-facilitates a twice weekly community walk supporting our relatives on Main St., as well as a bi-weekly Men’s Healing group, regularly visits the encampments along Higgins Avenue, teaches an Inner City University of Winnipeg course to High School students at the Met School,  provides support for men and boys transitioning from Stony Mountain Institute and the Manitoba Youth Centre, and co-facilitates an annual Father's Day Walk to bring awareness to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Men and Boys. 

Mitch has received two Governor General’s Medals, one for Meritorious Service and the other for Bravery, as well as a Queen’s Platinum Jubilee medal and an Order of Manitoba. In 2017 Mitch received the Canadian Humane Association’s Medal of Bravery for jumping into a Winnipeg river to save a young woman. 
 
Mitch helped raise three wonderful children and provides daily care for his eldest who lives with a debilitating disability. 
Awards

  • September 2022 - The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal
  • December 2020 - The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives Manitoba:  Joe Zuken Citizen Activist Award
  • September 2020 - The Chancellor of the Order of Manitoba Janice Filmon: Order of Manitoba
  • April 2019 - Governor General Award for Bravery
  • October 2018 - Manitoba Heroes
  • August 2018 - Vigor International, Spirit of the City Award
  • ​May 2018 - Resource Assistance for Youth (R.A.Y.), Community Champion Award
  • April 2018 - Honoured Citizen, Winnipeg Police Service, outstanding support and commitment to public safety.
  • October 2017 - Govenor General of Canada, Her Majesty The Queen: Meritorious Service Medal
  • ​July 2017 - Royal Canadian Humane Association: Bronze Medal for Bravery
  • June 2017 - Wilfred Laurier University: Certificate of Committment and Support in the MSW Aboriginal Field of Study
  • May 2017 - Metis Child Servicing System: Certificate of Bravery
  • April 2017 - Gonzaga Middle School: Recognition and Inspiration Award
  • March 2017 - Member's Statement Recognition: Wab Kinew Manitoba Legislative Assembly
  • November 2016 - St. Paul's High School: Ignatian Award, Community Service
  • May 2016 - CAOT (Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists) 2016 Citation Award
  •  February 2015 - Aboriginal Circle of Educators (A.C.E.): "Promotion of Spirituality and Culture" Award
  • June 2013 - Aboriginal Social Workers Society of Manitoba: "Significant Contributor to the Field of Aboriginal Social Work"
  • May 2013 - Aboriginal Student's Association UofM, Migizii Agamik Award: "Outstanding Commitment to Students" 
  • October 2006 - Manitoba Schizophrenia Society: Hero of Mental Health Award"​

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