The Winnipeg Police Service took off the vests and put on the aprons for a wonderful feast in the North End of Winnipeg.

With help from RB Russell School, the Winnipeg Police Service hosted the 21st Annual Spring Feast, which took place at the Indian & Metis Friendship Centre.

In traditional Aboriginal communities, a select group of individuals known as the Peacekeepers or Warriors of the tribe assumed the responsibility of protecting the community from harm. Another important role was to provide food so that no one would go hungry. These individuals were from the Bear Clan.

The police officers are honorary members of the Bear Clan and are expected to preform those same duties, which is why the feast began, under the guidance of an Aboriginal Elder.

"As police officers in this community, we are usually only involved when it's not the best of times," said Officer Tim Diack. "That can build on a community, where we are just symbolic of what's wrong with the community."

Diack says it's good if they can engage with the community in a different way sometimes.

"It's important to bring the community together," said Grand Chief Sheila North-Wilson of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak. "It's good to see this and I'm glad to see a big turnout once again."