Dorene Bernard is a prominent Mi'kmaq activist renowned for her dedication to water protection and Indigenous rights. As a member of the Grassroots Grandmothers, she has dedicated more than two decades to advocating for Native Child Welfare and community support. Her work primarily centers on addressing the needs of survivors and families affected by the Shubenacadie Indian Residential School, as well as documenting the extensive history of Indian Residential Schools in Canada.
Bernard plays a pivotal role in the Indian Residential School Commemoration Project, which aims to honor the experiences of those impacted by these institutions. She leads the Grassroots Grandmother Circle, which engages in vital social justice initiatives, encompassing a range of issues from child welfare to the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. Her efforts also extend to cultural education and imparting traditional water teachings, emphasizing the importance of protecting this vital resource.
Through her tireless activism, Dorene Bernard has become a key figure in advocating for the rights and well-being of Indigenous communities, making significant contributions to the preservation of cultural heritage and the fight for justice. Her unwavering commitment to these causes highlights her influence as a leader within her community and beyond.
