Collection - Sarah Denny Cultural Collection

Sarah Agnes Denny, the daughter of Richard and Mary Rose Johnson (Mary Rose Christmas), was born in Sydney, Nova Scotia on September 2, 1925 and was raised by her grandmother, Julie Bernard Nevin. She was originally from Potlotek (Chapel Island), but later moved to Membertou. Sarah married Noel R. Denny and together they had twelve children. Sarah and Noel established a home in Eskasoni and would remain in that community for sixty years. Sarah was an educator and the first Mi’kmaq Teacher's Aide at the Eskasoni Federal School. She completed an Early Childhood Education course at the Centennial College of Applied Arts and Technology in Toronto, Ontario, and in 1972, she received her certification as a classroom assistant from Seneca College in Toronto. She also completed courses at York University and worked as a teacher’s assistant. In 1973, Sarah became the first Mi’kmaq Cultural Officer from the Mi’kmaq Association for Cultural Studies and was a part of the Association for three decades. She shared her knowledge of language, culture, songs, dances, and ceremonies in the Nation and across the globe. She was Christian as well as a believer in Mi’kmaq tradition. She was a bridge between the two realities for the community and one of her major accomplishments was the production of the Mi’kmaq Hymnal kit. She loved and taught her children how to chant, sing, pray and dance in traditional ways but not only her children, she formed the Eskasoni Mi’kmaq Dancers to teach others. She also formed the Eskasoni Noel R. Denny Memorial Powwow. Sarah was present in several films, videos and radio interviews. She was honoured in 1991 by Grand Chief George Eramus/National Indian Brotherhood, presently the AFN, for her Dedication and Commitment to the Preservation of Aboriginal Languages. She passed away on September 6, 2002.