BERNARD, Julena Catherine – Age 85, We’koqma’q First Nation, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Born in We’koqma’q she was the daughter of the late Charles and Annie Mae (Sylliboy) Bernard.

She loved being at home in her mansion on the hill. She was an avid bingo player. She loved her “smoke”. She loved all her family and was incredibly proud of them all. She was the granddaughter of the late Grand Chief Gabriel (Harriet) Sylliboy. She loved playing Yatzee, 58, cribbage and loved making her own Lnu medicine and loved teaching her family how to prepare it. She was a strong advocate for her Mi’kmaq Rights, Language and Culture and basket making.

Surviving are her loving daughters, Mona (Alonzo) Denny, Gina (Maynard) Poulette, Madonna Bernard, all of We’koqma’q; sister, Ducy (Bob) Paul; We’koqma’q; brother, John Wayne Bernard, We’koqma’q; as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren; god children, Freddie Bernard, Frederick Young, Warren Brooks, Linda Bernard and Lindsay Bernard.

She was predeceased by her sons, Carl David and John A. Bernard; daughter, Nicolila Bernard; granddaughter, Cassidy Bernard; grandson, Carlyle; brothers, Frederick, Lawrence “Lunch”, Walter, Alan, Chuckie and Peter “Seven”.

Visitation will be after 4 p.m. on Monday, April 21 in the We’koqma’q Community Centre, 15 Reservation Rd., We’koqma’q First Nation. There will be a sacred fire outside the community centre during the visitation. Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 23 from Blessed St. Kateri Parish, We’koqma’q with Father Joby Augustin officiating. Cremation will follow. Burial at a later date. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Dennis Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Whycocomagh. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com