Ottawa’s Odawa Native Friendship Centre has launched an outreach initiative to help vulnerable people in Vanier and the ByWard Market.
Makwa Dodem Patrol is a grassroots, Indigenous-led initiative that aims to patrol the streets of those neighbourhoods every Saturday, with hopes of eventually expanding their presence.
The friendship centre has partnered with Winnipeg’s successful and long-standing Bear Clan Patrol to educate local volunteers, and held a free community training session on Wednesday.
With the help of community partners, volunteers and supporters, Makwa Dodem Patrol held their inaugural walk on Thursday.
The group walked from Clarence Street to the Ottawa sign on York Street to celebrate the launch and show their unity, visibility and care for the community.
“Makwa Dodem really holds that philosophy of checking on someone, to be a good friend, to be a good relative,” said Michael Weston, a strategic co-ordinator with Odawa.