Used her body as shield as her niece and friend's son fought to stop the mauling...
Three Dawson Creek residents who risked their lives to save their friend and mother during a brutal black bear attack in northeast B.C. in 2022 have received two of the country's highest honours for courage and bravery.
Leosette Canoy Hansen was awarded the Star of Courage while her niece, Wennali Canoy, and Adrian Bartolome — the son of the attacked woman — both received a Medal of Bravery from outgoing Governor General Mary Simon earlier this year.
“It’s a very rare honour,” Hansen told CBC News Monday.
The group had been walking the Bear Mountain ski trails outside the city just after sunset on Oct. 3, 2022, when a black bear charged and attacked Analyn Bartolome.
Hansen said the group didn’t hesitate to fight back with whatever stick and log they could find, and to get help.
“All I want is to save my friend,” Hansen said. “I don’t want to see my friend losing her life.”
The Governor General’s office says decorations of bravery recognize Canadians who risk their own lives to save others.
“At a time when the world too often chooses division over collaboration, and self‑interest over caring for others, you give us hope,” Simon said during a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on March 26.
“You remind us that within each of us lies the instinct to protect one another.”
On Monday, Dawson Creek city councillors also recognized the trio for their actions.
“The world needs more people like you,” Mayor Darcy Dober told the group. “We’re grateful that you’re here today as part of our community.”
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