Written by George Paul, Grandson, Eskissoqnik (Eskasoni) First Nation in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.

If there was one person who truly exemplified the character of the Mi’kmaw Nation, Margaret Johnson, who was better known as Dr. Granny, was truly a reflection of the hardships, the struggles, the triumphs, the growth, and the genuine humor of the Mi’kmaw people.

Dr. Margaret Johnson was born on August 10, 1915 and lived an incredible 95 years.  She passed away on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010. Her parents were Michael and Janie Paul from Potlotek (Chapel Island) First Nation in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.They had twelve children in all. Her father was a fisherman and lumberjack, and her mother made baskets for extra income along with making the clothes for the family. Dr. Granny and her sisters picked up these skills at a very young age.

Her first marriage was with Albert Julian from Paqtnkek (Afton) First Nation in Nova Scotia. She lived in Paqtnkek for seven years until Albert’s untimely death in 1940. She moved back home with her children then later met up with John T. Johnson from Potlotek (Chapel Island). They married in 1947 and were promised a new home in Eskissoqnik (Eskasoni) First Nation with electricity and indoor plumbing.

When they arrived in Eskissoqnik, only the frame-work of their new house was completed and had no electricity or plumbing. They both worked hard and raised ten children of their own plus three from the previous marriage, along with raising two grandchildren. In total, Dr. Granny raised 15 children and was a grandmother to 85 grandchildren, 153 great-grandchildren and 19 great-great grandchildren.

Dr. Granny was an expert in basket making, bead working and sewing, and taught these crafts in Eskissoqnik, Lennox Island, and Morell, Prince Edward Island, Keskapekiaq, Quebec, Conne River, Newfoundland and surrounding Mi’kmaw communities.

She went to many craft shows and demonstrations such as EXPO ‘67 and the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C. She even voyaged from Halifax to New York on a Tall Ship and demonstrated her basket making.

Dr. Granny and her husband specialized in colorful Easter baskets. She and John T. had a work barn where they made all the baskets. She recalled at one time during Easter season that they were producing close to 100 Easter baskets a day with her husband, children, and friends. Her baskets at that time went for nineteen cents.

She was instrumental in keeping the Mi’kmaw culture alive by passing on Mi’kmaw traditions such as language, prayer, dance, song, and waltes. She was a great historian, Mi’kmaw ambassador, entertainer, comedian and storyteller.  Her well known musical talent was her Jew’s harp playing and always found time to tell her many jokes.

She was the first woman Band Councillor in Eskasoni and served as Councillor for six consecutive terms. She ran for Chief one year and lost by only two votes.  She was on the Native Women Association, Eskasoni School Mi’kmaw Language Elders Committee, and the Home-makers Club.  She worked at the Mi’kmaw Lodge until she was 93 years old and was the 2000 High School “Role Model of the Year.”  Eskasoni Fisheries named a fishing vessel in her honor named “Dr. Granny.”  She received an Honorary Doctorate from St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, in 1994.

After receiving her Honorary Doctorate degree, Dr. Granny was no longer just a Granny; she was now known as ‘Dr. Granny.’ Mi’kmaw linguist, singer, song writer and a dear friend, Bernie Francis, composed a song just for her and made Dr. Granny even more famous. The song was simply titled, “Dr. Granny.”  The song was an instant hit in Eskasoni.