LENNOX ISLAND, P.E.I. – If you’ve ever talked to Chief Darlene Bernard about Lennox Island First Nation, chances are she’s gushed over her passion—how much she loves the community and what the place means to her.
“It’s my home, and it’s where I will be laid to rest,” said Bernard. “I want to make this community the best community I can make it … when you’re chief, you’re a helper.”
That’s why the decision not to run in Lennox Island’s upcoming band election was a tough one, filled with many tears, though in Bernard’s mind, it’s time.
Bernard has served as Lennox Island’s chief for a total of 18 years, from 2001 to 2013, and again from 2019 to the present. Before becoming chief, she also served as a councillor for four months.
“You have to be able to get out there, you have to be able to advocate for your community,” she said. “You are an ambassador. You are the person who people will look to.”
Goals and progress
Even before taking on the role, Bernard had worked for the band her entire adult life. She also served as the director of Employment Training Services, frequently working with the federal government and often attending meetings on behalf of then-Chief Jack Sark, who Bernard said was one of her major mentors and shaped her as a leader.
As the director, she started thinking about how to support people seeking higher education. She advocated for her people and helped acquire the resources that led to an adult education program within Lennox Island.
“Back then, it was something to graduate high school,” she said. “If you graduated high school way back then, then that was great. Now, high school is just the first step in further education.”
Not long after, she started thinking about running for council, wanting to do her part to lead and make decisions involving her community. During her time as chief, Bernard believes Lennox Island has made great strides, and she’s helped it progress in a number of aspects.
There are more than 60 new houses in Lennox Island. The local gas station and corner store are now locally owned. There’s a new and improved wharf, including new boats, to help their fishery.
The two initiatives she’s most proud of, though, are the community’s energy projects – such as the planned solar energy project near Lennox Island, and the planned wind farm in Kinkora – and helping to establish Pituamkek National Park Reserve.
“There’s a lot of discussion on how we work collaboratively,” said Bernard. “So, I see that as a good thing.”
Stepping back
Part of why Bernard is stepping back is her sense of accomplishment, having achieved many of the goals she set out to do and more.
“I just feel like I’ve done a lot of great work, I’ve set the path forward,” she said. “Even with reconciliation and the work we’ve done with that, with treaty education in P.E.I. I think everybody in P.E.I. has a little bit more knowledge about the Mi’kmaq.”
As well, she has found the role has become more demanding than ever. When Bernard first became chief, 25 years ago, she said it was a time for change. Now, she believes that time has come again and hopes for new, younger leadership to step up.
“Young leaders will probably embrace a new way of doing business. I see it in young people around me,” said Bernard.
“Get the work done. Do better work than I’ve done. Make it better. I’m happy to see things improve. I’m just doing foundational work for future leaders to build upon. I’ve got the basement built, maybe even the first floor – but now they have to start building up.”
Leadership recognized
It was an honour, said Regional Chief Wendell Labobe, working with Bernard on Lennox Island council from 2019 to 2024. He learned a lot from her and considers her an inspiration.
“The loss of her leadership will be felt deeply across our community. Her voice, vision and presence brought strength and clarity during times of growth and challenge.”
— Regional Chief Wendell Labobe
Thinking of her time as chief, Labobe remarked on her dedication and love for Lennox Island and its people, and that the projects started under her terms have helped advance housing, education and health in the community.
“The loss of her leadership will be felt deeply across our community,” wrote Labobe in an email. “Her voice, vision and presence brought strength and clarity during times of growth and challenge. However, Chief Bernard has also laid a solid path for future leaders to follow.”
Looking ahead
With so many projects ongoing, Bernard is optimistic for the future of Lennox Island and said she’ll be available to share her knowledge with whoever follows in her footsteps.
“I can step back, because I don’t know if I’ll go too far,” said Bernard. “If the new leadership feels they need some support, I’ll be happy to help out if I can. But I feel confident that I’m leaving the place a little bit better than when I got here.”
Lennox Island’s election will be held June 14.
