October 3, 2014
Manitoba Government Honours Hero in Polar Bear Attack
– – –Churchill Resident Bill Ayotte Inducted Into Order of Buffalo Hunt
Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Gord Mackintosh and Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson today awarded one of Manitoba’s highest honours, the Order of the Buffalo Hunt, to Bill Ayotte, in recognition of his heroic intervention that saved the life of Erin Greene when she was attacked by a polar bear in Churchill on Nov. 1, 2013.
“The people of Churchill have learned to live with and respect polar bears but when he saw a young woman being attacked by a bear, Bill Ayotte reacted without hesitation and those actions saved her life,” said Minister Mackintosh. “He risked his own life to save a neighbour and that courage should be recognized and rewarded.”
Early in the morning of Nov. 1, 2013, Ayotte heard the screams of a young woman being attacked by a polar bear outside his house. Armed with only a shovel, he distracted the animal so she could get away. Unfortunately, the bear turned on him and he suffered numerous injuries before natural resource officers and other residents could scare it away.
“This quick-thinking, selfless action saved Erin Greene’s life, while putting his own life in grave danger,” said Minister Robinson. “We commend the heroic actions of Bill Ayotte and believe he is worthy of the Order of the Buffalo Hunt as well as our gratitude and admiration.”
In addition to the honour bestowed upon Ayotte, congratulations and gift presentations were made to the seven-member Polar Bear Alert team of natural resource officers, Churchill resident Didier Foubert-Allen, who helped with the rescue efforts, and Greene, who was mauled by the bear.
Manitoba’s Order of the Buffalo Hunt was established in 1957. The honour is bestowed by the province to individuals who demonstrate outstanding skills in the areas of leadership, service and community commitment.
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