Born in Sydney (Unama’ki) December 30, 1943, Katherine was the daughter of the late Susie Johnson of Membertou and raised by Noel Johnson of Eskasoni.
Katherine grew up attending various Indian day-schools in Cape Breton and was a residential school survivor before attending high school in East Bay. From there, Katherine moved to the Boston area, obtained her GED and continued her education at the Quincy Community College before her employment at various factories and restaurants in the same area.
Katherine was an avid human and indigenous rights activist and eventually became known as the “language and cultural ambassador” of the Mi’kmaq. In the 1960s, she helped establish the well-known Boston Indian Council. In the1970’s Katherine helped establish Tecumseh House for homeless urban natives in Boston and later moved home and helped with the early development of the Union of Nova Scotia Indians. In 1974 she helped to found and lead the Non-status Indian Association (now the Native Council of Nova Scotia).
Katherine loved music of all sorts and would often share her beautiful voice at mass and funerals throughout Mi’kma’ki. She was quick to dance or jig to a tune that hit her the right way – whether the Kojua or the funky-chicken. Her joyous humour, exuberance for life and storytelling were widely known and appreciated within and outside the Mi’kmaw community.
Katherine loved creating Mi’kmaw arts and crafts using bark, quill, leather and ribbon.
She was a prolific reader and writer of poetry, music, and stories. She contributed to many publications in the fields of ecology, linguistics, human and indigenous rights. Katherine generously gave of her time and knowledge to the Mi’kmaq youth.
Throughout her life, Katherine remained humble despite being the recipient of numerous distinctions. She participated in movies; (Squanto – A Warriors Tale, Rhymes for Young Ghouls, North Mountain), publications; (Micmac Language Learning Workbook series, Kelusultiek: Original Women's Voices of Atlantic Canada, Mi’kma’ki the Map); television productions; (Anne With An E, Spirit World: The Story of the Mi'kmaq) and awards; (Native Council Lifetime Achievement Award, Congress of Aboriginal Peoples “Aboriginal Order of Canada,” Canadian Aboriginal Peoples Award, Grand Chief Donald Marshall, Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award) – to name a few.
Katherine is survived by her children: Madonna Johnson, Donna (Nelson) Brown, and Douglas (Chelsea) Brown; grand-children: Nicholas Isaac, Mari-K Joe, Theresa Joe, Clifton Cremo and Rio Johnson; nineteen great grandchildren; Jani K, Lisa’l and Silipay (twins), Robert, Orion, Darius, Tyrion, Mise’l, Tori, Ronin, Autumn, Raina, Ayla, Violet, Ryker, Alexcia, Axl, Alexander and Liam (twins); and one great-great grandchild, Raegan Reid. Katherine also had many godchildren.
Katherine is survived by her foster brothers Ernest Johnson, Sylvester Paul, Terrence Paul and Kevin Paul; her sister-in-law Janet Denny, nieces Ann and Kelly Denny; nephews Kji’keptin Antle’, Keenan (Ginko), Simon Denny; and special nephew, Tyson Paul.
Katherine is predeceased by her beloved husband Joseph Sorbey; her brother Kji’keptin Alexander Denny and foster brothers Ben Noel Johnson, John Johnson, Gregory Johnson, George Paul, Clement Paul, and Clifton Paul; special sisters Margaret Paul, Mary Paul, Edna Paul and Mary-Rose Gould; godparents Joseph and Cecelia Macdonald.
Visitation in Membertou will take place starting on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, from 7pm until 2pm on Wednesday at 4 Lawrence Paul Sr. Awti, Membertou. Visitation in Eskasoni will take place at the Elders Centre (46 Spencer’s Lane, Eskasoni) starting at 4pm on Wednesday June 12. Mass will follow at 10:30am on Thursday, June 13 at the Holy Family Church (50 Gabriel St., Eskasoni). Salite’ and meal will take place at the Gabriel Centre with cremation and internment to follow at a later date.
Memories and condolences in Katherine’s memory may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.twcurry.com. Proceeds from the Salite’ will be donated equally to the Holy Family Parish at Eskasoni, the St. Anne’s Parish in Membertou, the St. Anne’s Church in Potlotek, the Eskasoni Ladies Auxiliary, and the Malian Fund.
