Frank Meuse Jr. was born on August 30, 1954, the son of Frank and Lois Meuse of Bear River. Frank’s love for the outdoors led him to the elders and the woodsmen of his community early in his life. His adventures traveling the back country by canoe started around the age of eleven or twelve. The knowledge, both traditional and modern, made Frank a well respected person to guide and share his teachings with others.

In 1987 Frank was elected Chief of the Bear River First Nation and served for seven two-year terms. During his 14 years as Chief, he was able to help the community establish some desperately needed infrastructure such as a school, health centre, cultural and heritage centre, recreational facilities and some new housing. He also helped with a few projects such as a river restoration project, a traditional medicine trail, and a forestry management plan for the community’s woodlot.

In 2001 Frank decided to follow another dream, to help young people deal with some of the modern day pressures they face. He decided that a facility nestled in the forest would be an excellent opportunity — and a safe environment — to teach and assist youth with their challenges. The Bear River First Nation set aside an area inside their management plan for this to happen and so Stone Bear Tracks and Trails became a reality.

Click the link on the left to learn about the Story of the Bear Spirit