This fundraiser is for Shelley, as many know her “Shelley Bear” — a proud Indigenous woman and lifelong warrior for justice, healing, and community. She has spent her entire life fighting for others — and now she is in the biggest fight of her life.
Shelley has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of Stage 3 ovarian cancer, which has spread to her lymph nodes, ovaries, bowel, and bladder regions. She’s endured multiple invasive surgeries, severe infections, and over 60 days in hospital. The journey ahead is uncertain, painful, and long — but she remains a fighter.
A Life Lived Loudly and With Purpose
Shelley doesn’t just live — she shines.
An adventurous spirit, she’s danced under disco lights, followed music across cities and ceremonies, and embraced Indigenous art and culture with full heart. She recently began taking singing lessons, proving that joy knows no age.
But her true legacy is the tireless work she’s done for her people:
Shelley’s Life of Service
Indigenous Youth Worker, CUPE Union Representative, Indigenous Educator & Cultural Facilitator and Public Speaker & Knowledge Keeper.
Shelley returned to school at age 57 to complete her Executive MBA in Indigenous Business Leadership — breaking intergenerational barriers and claiming space for future leaders.
She is a mother, mentor, spiritual friend, and cultural bridge. In every role, she brings fierce compassion and a fire for justice. She shows up for everyone — and now we need to show up for her.
Why We Need Your Help
Shelley’s illness has left her unable to work and has put her healing journey — and dreams of launching her Bear’s Den company — on hold. The financial burden is overwhelming.
We are raising monies to help Shelley cover:
- Ongoing medical treatments, medications, and post-surgery care
- Basic cost-of-living and nutrition while she recovers
- Access to traditional healing, ceremony, and Indigenous wellness
- Rehabilitation and home recovery expenses
- Transportation, parking, and self-care costs for her and her family
Let’s Walk With Her, As She Has Walked With So Many
Shelley is a light in dark places. A survivor. A builder. A keeper of stories and traditions. She has broken cycles while carrying the weight of trauma, culture, and community.
Let’s be there for her as she has always been there for us.
How You Can Help
Donate what you can – no amount is too small.
Share this fundraiser with friends, family, and your community.
Send Shelley your prayers, messages, and love – it fuels her spirit.
Together, we can carry her through this.
With deep gratitude,
Shelley Bear’s Strength Keepers
