O.P.K Founder
Honouring Larry Morrissette
Larry Morrissette, also known as Singing Wolf from the Bear Clan, devoted more than 30 years of his life as a social worker teaching and working in the Inner City and North End of Winnipeg. Larry was a Sundancer, an Elder, fire-keeper, sweat lodge conductor, pipe carrier, community leader, activist, author, and mentor. A tireless advocate on behalf of Indigenous people, Larry spoke truth to power by continually raising awareness about the ongoing effects of colonization through his work in the community. His multimedia work explored the complexity of colonization, street gangs, Indigenous identity and resistance. He was part of developing many urban and inner city organizations and programs whose continued success is a testament to his spirit.
As a devoted father and grandfather, Larry's greatest love, pride and inspiration came from his family. He believed that the Medicine Wheel's teachings would guide and empower them and the Indigenous community as a whole. Over the years he collaborated with many other activists and organizations and always had the courage and honesty to challenge the status quo. For example, in the late 1980's he was a part of the Thunder Eagle Society which believed that embedding Indigenous teachings within public education was crucial in affirming Indigenous culture. In 1991, after years of activism, "Children of the Earth" high school officially opened. It continues to be a leader in academics, language and identity for Indigenous youth in the community and across Canada.
Larry co-founded the Bear Clan Patrol, a grassroots neighbourhood patrol that holds great respect for the Elders, women and children of the North End and Point Douglas areas. Centered on Indigenous teachings it aims to improve community safety and wellbeing. After a hiatus, Larry and his fellow Bear Clan members would revitalize the patrol in 2015, gaining local and national recognition for their approach and for bridging the divide between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. This work inspired the later formation of the Mama Bear Clan Patrol, led by women in the community.
In 2000, Larry was part of forming Ogijiita Pimatiswin Kinamatwin (OPK) which translates from Ojibway into young warriors living a good life-moving forward. Larry was a strong mentor for young men trying to escape the gang life and integrate back into society through work programs. Larry's wisdom and gratitude for ceremony and teachings were integrated into the program and helped men find employment and connect back to spirituality and identity.
After his death on September 20th, 2016 Larry was honoured with a plaque for his family by Kevin Chief in the Manitoba Legislature. Later that year, the University of Winnipeg set up a scholarship fund to assist one Indigenous student per year with tuition and bring them one step closer to fulfilling their educational dreams.
Larry taught a community to love, heal, forgive, and be proud to be Indigenous. With humility and honesty, he lived reconciliation and demanded respect for the people that he helped and served in the community. He believed that regardless of a person's past, healing and honour came through telling one's story. His community continues to honour his time in this world through love and respect for one another. Through ceremony, his legacy will remain with the people and his spirit will empower those who knew him for generations to come.
Special thanks to Larry's friend Ryan Nash for his thoughtful contributions.