Bear Creek was formed during the summer of 1998. The name Makwa Ziibiins (Bear Creek in Ojibwe) was given to the group by the late Adam Lussier of Red Lake, Minnesota. The name was given at the White Earth Powwow in Northern Minnesota in June of that year. The group originated in the Baawaating (Sault Ste Marie) area on both sides of the border in Canada and the United States. Since that time membership has included singers from other areas of Ontario as well. Since that time, Bear Creek has travelled extensively throughout North America hosting and competing at many powwows and gatherings. Some of the more notable achievements include placing first at the Gathering of Nations powwow in Albuquerque, NM and the Schemitzun Festival in Mashantucket, CT, along with numerous other wins and placings at various powwows. Included in the list of milestones was a Grammy nomination for the group in 2011. 2023 represents the 25th anniversary of Bear Creek and they continue to travel extensively throughout powwow country earning accolades as they go