12/12/2025
At UINR, we are so fortunate to spend time with our Elders and Knowledge Holders. We are always grateful for the time and depth of knowledge they share with us. Each moment with them is a treasured gift.
It is with this in our hearts that we say farewell to a long-standing advisor to UINR, Judy Bernard/Googoo.
Sutik and Joe, friends of Charlie, were involved in early days at UINR. They were in UINR’s advisory groups, training initiatives, community celebrations, and land-based programming.
Sutik was one of the most down-to-earth people we know. She knew so much about our lands, waters and relations, and was so generous to share with anyone interested. She guided our Nikani Awtiken youth program, led medicine walks and rabbit snaring workshops, and always had one of the best moose calls at our Feast in the Highlands (“Here Moosey Moosey Moosey!!! 🫎).
One of the many things that made Sutik so special is that even though she had SO much knowledge, she was always learning. She’d come to Elders meetings with a little notebook to take down Mi’kmaq words she wasn’t familiar with, she loved asking questions, and was always enrolled in workshops and courses. She was working toward her B.Ed! She was committed to lifelong learning.
Our deep condolences to Joe and their families. We will miss Sutik’s gentle nature, her guiding voice, and her sweet smiling face.
Kepmite’tmulek
