Bear Clan Patrol serves as extra set of eyes and ears on Calgary streets

A new group of volunteers is reaching out to help some of Calgary’s most vulnerable.

The Calgary chapter of the indigenous-led Bear Clan Patrol, which started up in mid-November, patrols areas where many wouldn’t dare to go after sundown.

Volunteer Gitz Crazyboy said the group helps ensure the protection of people in the community.

“That means everybody, but also our friends and family that are on the streets right now,” Crazyboy explained.

The group meets every Friday, first making its way through parts of the city’s downtown core, and then through the southeast community of Forest Lawn.

“Sometimes people are unresponsive, and we have a detailed plan for that,” Crazyboy explained. “Sometimes they need some help, food, or connections to programs and services — and that’s what we do.”