News

Living a Good Life: Celebrating Elderbeary Day at St. Joseph's Care Group

Date: 2025-03-20

March 20th is Elderbeary Day, a time to honour and celebrate the contributions of our Elders, who do so much for our community. This Elderbeary Day, St. Joseph's Care Group (SJCG) recognizes Brenda Mason, Imprint Hanging Standing Woman, for her work as Ogichidaa-Kwe, SJCG's Elder in Council.

Brenda is a vital part of St. Joseph's Care Group, always providing gentle guidance from her time as a social worker and as a member of many working groups, and most recently as a member of Ogichidaa Onaakonigewin, SJCG's Elders Council. Each day, she brings our organization's values of Care, Compassion, and Commitment to life.

"My traditional name is Imprint Hanging Standing Woman," Brenda explains. "I always think - what imprint or footprint am I leaving behind?" She strives to live by the Seven Grandfather Teachings of the Anishinaabek: love, respect, bravery, truth, honesty, humility, and wisdom. "It's not just about the words themselves, but what it means to live them."

Brenda is SJCG's first Ogichidaa-Kwe, and she's creating the path that others after her will follow. As Ogichidaa-Kwe, Brenda provides cultural and spiritual guidance to support clients on their healing journeys. Whether through ceremonies, traditional teachings, or offering her wisdom, she works to create space for culturally safe and wholistic person-centred care at SJCG - caring for the whole person in mind, body, and spirit.

Brenda's deep commitment to respect and humility is a core part of who she is. "You don't choose to be an Elder," she says. "The community chooses you. They recognize someone's gifts and ask them for guidance. I am honoured the community sees me as an Elder."

On this Elderbeary Day, we express our gratitude for Brenda and the other Elders who walk alongside us, each of whom leave a lasting imprint on our clients and our community.