Please give today so Walter can breathe easy on his road to recovery from open heart surgery.

On Monday, October 9th, our sassy friend and family member, Walter MacDonald White Bear had a heart attack. He was with Dawn, Rain and Sky at the time and Dawn's quick thinking to get aspirin into him before he called 911 was exactly what was needed! After receiving kind and thoughtful medical attention, he is patiently waiting - guitar in hand - at the Foothills Medical Centre for open heart surgery.

People are asking how they can help and so with Walter's blessing this fundraiser has been set up. Since Walter's work is contract based and he is unable to work for a minimum of three months post-surgery, any amount given will be used to ensure that he has the breathing room to focus on his healing and recovery. This will be especially important because Walter carries his own equipment and instruments from gig to gig, so it is critical he doesn't rush into working before his body is good and ready.

If this fundraiser has been forwarded to you and you're unfamiliar with our friend Walter, he is a talented musician and traditional Cree Knowledge Keeper, based in Moh'kinsstis (Calgary) and sharing his talents and teaching across Canada. Walter works within justice and education systems, as well as with the general public. Walter hosts conversations and workshops with inmates, police, educators, students and others seeking to better understand themselves and their role in Truth and Reconciliation. He does this work independently as well as in collaboration with others, most notably with Samantha Whelan Kotkas and the National Arts Centre. Thousands have benefited from Walter’s generosity of spirit; he’s an incredible soul, brilliant artist and dear friend who needs a helping hand.

Walter's surgery is likely to happen on (or close to) Friday, October 20. He will be having quadruple bypass surgery, and it would be wonderful for him to know there is enough in this fund for him to focus solely on his healing for a period of time after that.

Every donation, kind thought and prayer for a smooth surgery and recovery will wrap our friend in the knowledge that he is loved and that Creator has so much more in store for him!

Please give generously if you can and please don’t hesitate reaching out to Walter with notes of love and well wishes.

With so much thanks on Walter's behalf!

PS. Updates will be posted here after Walter’s surgery, and then monthly about his road to recovery.

PPS. If you have any questions about this fundraiser, please don't hesitate to reach out here or directly to Shone Thistle.