JOHNSON, Sarah (Sally)

The loss can be described only by the strength of her presence in our lives: The proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. The caring compassionate wife. The cousin and aunt who arrived to visit. The sister you could count on. The relentless fighter for health programs for Indigenous peoples. The best friend in good times and bad. The speaker of the truth no matter the audience. The best person to share a funny story with. The speaker of the Mi’kmaq language and the teller of old stories. The lover of new shiny cars. The voice of fairness in the meeting. The constant traveller by car and plane. The name known in L’nu regions across the country. The one who says what most others were thinking but dare not say. The gambler, the Queen of Hearts, Sally Johnson. Sarah (Sally) Johnson passed away peacefully at home in Howie Centre, Cape Breton, on August 8, 2020. Sally was born at St. Rita’s Hospital, Sydney, NS on October 30, 1949 to the late Roderick T. Johnson and Mary Margaret Joe of Eskasoni First Nation. Sally is survived by children; Tanya Francis (Patrick), Terena Francis, and Tma Francis all of Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation; and Lisa Paul of Millbrook First Nation; grandchildren, Caitlin, Brendan, Aaron, Antle, Andre, Sierra, Logan, Dexter, Chad, Eric, Daisy, and Sydney; great grandchildren, Casey Jane, Jace David, and Drew Louis; brothers, Patrick (Eleanor) Johnson, Kennis Paul (Martha), and Michael Johnson, all of Eskasoni First Nation; godchildren, Laureen Paul, Membertou; and Kyle Prosper and Andrea Paul, both of Paqtnkek; and her numerous nieces and nephews. Also survived by special friends, Mary Basque, Annie (Gibbet) Stevens, Linda Julian, Lori Duncan, Nancy MacLeod, Anne Marie Paul, and her many friends, families, and colleagues at UNSM. Besides her parents, brother, Tommy Johnson, godson, Niko Clair, and her special Godmother Susie Stevens and Godfather, John T. Johnson, Sally was predeceased by her husband, her Otie, David Bryan Francis who was the love of her life. Sally worked as the Director of Health for the Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq since 1995, a job she loved doing right up to her passing. Sally was respected and admired by many. She made enormous and incredible contributions in the area of Health and Wellness. This respect came even before she became an Elder. Her heartfelt passion and drive enabled her to work tirelessly for First Nations everywhere. She was a true advocate, mentor, and advisor. She had a wealth of knowledge and experience and was so dedicated to all she did. There were numerous times where Sally would be held up at the airport and sometimes for days. Her job required her to travel all of the time and even up to Nunavut where she was held over for a few days. Her guidance and insights were indicative of her passion for highlighting the importance of health and wellness for First Nations. She had a great sense of humour and would often leave a smile on many people’s faces followed by a wonderful memory. One of Sally’s last posts on Facebook was hilarious but can’t be repeated here. Not only did Sally work full time in Nova Scotia, she chaired a few committees in her Region. She took part in the regional health partnership and sat on three subcommittees. The public health and primary care, mental wellness, and Non-Insured Health benefits. If it had anything to do with health, Sally was on it advocating for First Nations. She also co-chaired many of those committees. She also has sat on many, many national Health and Social Committees: AFN National FNs Health Technicians Network, AFN National Mental Wellness Committee, AFN National Public Health Experts Advisory Committee, AFN NIHB Joint Review Steering Committee. AFN Joint Forum on Administrative & Operative Tools, AFN Social Development Committee, AFN Jordan’s Principle Action Table, AFN National Expert Working Group on First Nations Early Learning and Child Care, And previously on: AFN National NIHB Committee, AFN Income Security Reform, AFN Housing, AFN Home and Community Care, First Nation Information Governance Committee. First Nations across Canada and internationally will miss Sally so much. Sally has touched the hearts of many. She will be brought home to Paqtnkek to her daughter, Terena Francis’s home, 8031 Highway 4 on Wednesday, August 12th at 5 PM for visitation and the funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, August 15th Immaculate Conception Church in Heatherton, NS, at 11:00am. Burial in St. Ann’s Cemetery, Walnek (Summerside Road). The funeral will be streamed live via a link on the funeral home’s website. There will be a feast to celebrate her life at the Paqtnkek Gymnasium. It is the family’s request there will be no Salite at this time. Any donations would be very much appreciated, you can send to Tanya Francis at 228 Saqamaw Road, Afton, NS B0H1A0 or by email money transfer at t.francis@paqtnkek.ca. Soar with the Eagles Sally you certainly earned your time to rest! Funeral arrangements are under the direction of C.L. Curry Funeral Home, Antigonish. Online condolences: www.clcurry.com. For all parts of the celebration, all visitors will be required to adhere to the province’s social distancing protocols, and masks are mandatory. At the direction of the Province of Nova Scotia, there is no guest book provided. Anyone who is exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms or who could be considered high-risk of contracting the coronavirus should avoid attending the visitation and funeral.