Leading the Fight

From coast-to-coast-to-coast, advocates, volunteers and partners are helping to advance our fight against diabetes

Don Bear - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Don Bear - Saskatchewan

As a young Cree growing up in a large Aboriginal family in Northern Saskatchewan, Don Bear was raised on a traditional diet of mainly wild meat, bannock and berries.

While most of his immediate family was not affected by diabetes, he witnessed a number of friends and extended family members living with the disease. In his 20s, a friend’s sister with type 1 diabetes was his first exposure.

“For me I was shocked at the way diabetes can impact a person and their family,” says Don. “Watching this really young girl have to check her sugar levels several times a day and take insulin was eye opening.”

At 31, and as a health worker with Saskatoon’s Westside Clinic, Don says he feels that, despite not living with the disease himself, he is a strong advocate for healthy choices and diabetes management - particularly in the Aboriginal community.

“I’m a diabetes champion in that I’m very passionate about supporting the friends and loved ones around me - helping them raise awareness about their personal stories.” From World Diabetes Day activities and healthy living campaigns targeting inner-city schools, to helping organize diabetes walks, rides and expos in cities, towns and on reserves, Don’s involvement with diabetes has gone broader that just his hometown and province.

“I’ve been involved in events at the local, provincial and national level, and see myself - regardless of where my future is - being very engaged with the Canadian Diabetes Association and helping to support Aboriginal volunteers and role models so they can share their stories about living with diabetes.”