Bear received formal art training at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design, and was the first aboriginal student to graduate from this institution, including graduating with honors. He also studied at the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College (currently known as “ The First Nations University of Canada”) .. in the Indian Art Department program… and then continued his art studies at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, Halifax NB. He now holds a Bachelor of Education Degree from University of New Brunswick and has pursued Graduate Studies in ‘Critical Theory’ for another two years at the same facility.
He is a New Brunswick certified teacher, having taught Native Art Classes at the Fredericton High School and then moved as Director of Education for Saint Mary’s First Nation.
He has acted as the Chair, for the development of the New Brunswick Museum ‘Wolastoqiyik’ website project.