Tim Barron Jr. faces one count of assault and two counts of uttering threats. Barron has vowed to continue his work at Four Sacred Hearts while the criminal matter proceeds before the court.
A founder of a Winnipeg organization aimed at helping inner-city youth is facing criminal charges stemming from two incidents this past summer.
Winnipeg police charged Tim Barron Jr. with assault and two counts of uttering threats after receiving a complaint from a woman.
Barron told APTN that he turned himself over to the authorities in early September and vowed to continue with Four Sacred Hearts (FSH) despite at least two founding members recently leaving the group over the charges.
“Four Sacred Hearts is not done. I’m still doing walks,” Barron told APTN. “This was never about me or any of those guys. It has always been about our people. The youth, adult and elderly who have been impacted because of residential school.”
FSH was created by former gang members Jeremy Raven, Glen Hondz, Terrence Morin and Barron, which became a positive influence for Indigenous people impacted by intergenerational trauma. The group also often travelled to First Nation communities to share their stories with youth.
For months, APTN Investigates had been following FSH as they delivered food in Winnipeg’s north end, held ceremonies and shared traditional teachings. “Root Causes: Sacred Heart” was to air on Oct. 26, but APTN postponed its release after Barron’s charges came to light.
The documentary was supposed to tell Barron’s story of how he was introduced into the gang life, found sobriety and tried to help others learn from his mistakes.
It was a follow up to the original “Root Causes” documentary in 2022.
FSH was formed soon after its release.
See more:
Root Causes: The inside story of Indigenous street gangs in Winnipeg
Barron continues to post photos on the FSH Facebook page during his weekly community walks, but Morin and Raven have confirmed they are stepping down from FSH while continuing the work separately.
“That’s not who I am, I’m just a man that is trying not to be defined by my pass mistakes, I’m trying and working very hard to be better and farther away from my past life. Seeking the Mino-Pimatisiwin [‘the good life’],” said Morin, crediting Barron with helping him turn his life around.
“But on Tim’s personal affairs, I can’t speak on behalf of that. That’s his opportunity to speak on his behalf and his story to tell.”
Raven apologized to their supporters and also said he thinks of Barron as a brother.
“Although at this time of grief and hardship, there is a lot of healing that is required on both ends, prayers, and I apologize to all the supporters,” said Raven. “I will always support the purpose and vision although, I need to respect the privacy of his affairs.”
Barron said he is on leave from his job at Whistling Wind Therapy Services pending the outcome of the charges.
Barron is scheduled to appear in court Nov. 19.
