b'MESSAGE FROM THE REGIONAL CHIEFMESSAGE FROMTHE REGIONAL CHIEFFOR MANITOBAThe spirit of volunteerismKevin HartA s the Assembly of FirstKevin Hart in this uncertain time has been Nations (AFN) Regionalextremely appreciated. Chief of Manitoba and aBecoming a volunteer has its benefits as First Nations person who isAFN Regional Chief, Manitobawell. Volunteerism builds self-confidence knowledgeable of our communities, I2-275 Portage Avenueand offers opportunities to learn new recognize that the spirit of volunteerismWinnipeg, MBR3B 2B3skills, meet new people, form friendships, is vital to our people and way of life. ThePhone: 204-956-0610 l support the community and give back traditional philosophies and teachings ofCell: 613-290-6283in reciprocity. As we continue to move our ancestors remind us that our purposeEmail: khart@afn.ca forward, volunteers are needed more than is to seek mino-pimatziwin, which meansever to assist communities. People will the good life in both Ojibwe and Cree.Executive Assistant: Brenda Bearcontinue to be needed to check up on the The good life comes when we help onePh: 204-793-5756elderly and sick, the disabled and others another and support each other, becauseEmail: brendacb@mymts.net who have difficulty living independently. those acts of kindness bring goodness.To increase the number of volunteers, Volunteering in the contemporaryit will be important to ensure that the context continues to honour thesevolunteers know they are making a ancestral philosophies by helping ourinitiated after numerous reports bydifference and helpingcommunity and our people.women stated that they felt unsafe ontheir community. In the Manitoba region, volunteerism ispublic transportation. These community- Volunteers are valued now more than readily apparent in organizations thatbased models clearly demonstrate thatever before, and their spirit of love for were created from a volunteer start.we can achieve positive advancementtheir community does not go unnoticed. Two prominent examples include thewhen we unite together to volunteer asWe must recognize our volunteers in a Bear Clan Patrol and Ikwe Safe Ridesmembers of the community.good way, as they truly are our silentboth started as helping groups. TheseVolunteerism has been an importantheroes. If you have the opportunity to volunteer groups were initiated directlycomponent for providing relief duringvolunteer within your community and because of an issue or a fundamentalthe COVID-19 pandemic. Communityfor your people, please consider it. To reason for their work. The Bear Clanvolunteers have stepped up to ensurethose people who continue to volunteer, was created to support the north endthat our Elders and vulnerable people areI thank you, personally and on behalf of of Winnipeg with safety and bring acared for and that the community hasthe Manitoba region.presence of support to the community.the information to support the healthKevin Hart Ikwe Safe Rides provides a safe modeand well-being of all. We truly thankRegional Chief for Manitoba of transportation for women and wasthese people. The work of volunteersAssembly of First Nations26 The Circle Winter Issue 1 2020'