Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you to all the hard-working witnesses for the incredible work they're doing to adapt to the needs of their community and fill the gaps from current government institutions and programs. I greatly admire the work you're doing, so thank you for making time for us and for this study today.
Mr. Walker, it's been a pleasure to get to know you and the Bear Clan over my time as a member of Parliament and a representative of Winnipeg. As I mentioned to you previously, one of the first things I did when I was elected was go walk with the Bear Clan. I chose a day like today in Winnipeg to go walk in the community and it was very cold, so I really admire everything that you guys are doing on the ground every day. Thank you for your work.
I find that the model of the Bear Clan is very interesting, and I can understand why it's being duplicated across the country. It's women-led. The indigenous matriarchs in Winnipeg are coming together and creating this phenomenal program on the ground. In your opening remarks, you even mentioned that a loaded handgun was handed over from a community member. Because of all the trust you built with the community that you represent and support, that handgun was handed over and you were able to give it to the police.
I just wanted you to elaborate a little more on what you see on the ground and what you feel needs to be done to stop the rise in violence in Winnipeg. Of course, you know that a lot of young people are getting glamourized into gangs. How do we stop that from happening?