
Ava is the youngest child of Ronald and Agnes Bear. She is a mother of two, grandmother of four, and Aunt to many. Ava and her husband, Dale, have been married for fifty-two years.
Ava believes in the importance of education and holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree as well as a certificate in First Nations Health Management.
Ava has actively contributed to her community in several ways, as she believes involvement helps to shape and grow the Nation. She was a member of numerous boards and committees in Muskoday, Prince Albert, and Saskatoon, including the Saskatchewan Rivers School Division and the Parkland Regional Health Authority. Additionally, she was in the role of Director of Health in Muskoday for fourteen consecutive years. Her appointed and elected roles include ten years on the Muskoday Band Council (education portfolio), and two years as the Tribal Vice-Chief for the Saskatoon Tribal Council (urban portfolio). Ava served two years as Chief of the Muskoday First Nation, making her the first woman Chief in the history of Muskoday First Nation.
Ava is now retired but remains active as an Elder with the Muskoday First Nation Community School and a lay reader with the St. James Anglican Church. She enjoys gardening, puzzles, scrapbooking and reading. One of Ava’s greatest joys is when all her family can be together for meals at her and Dale’s home.