Keptin John Joe Sark Memorial

Honouring John Joe Sark: A Tireless Champion for the Mi'kmaq People

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John Joe Sark was more than a respected Elder of the Mi’kmaq Nation, he was a guiding light, a voice of persistence, and a beacon for justice and truth. His legacy is etched into the hearts of Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples alike across Prince Edward Island and beyond.

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John Joe was born in August of 1945 on Lennox Island, Epekwitk (Prince Edward Island) to Dorothy Sark and Joe LaBobe. He was adopted and raised by his grandparents; the late Jacob Sark, Chief of Epekwitk and Alma Cormier of New Brunswick.

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As an outspoken advocate for the Mi’kmaq people, John Joe fought relentlessly to preserve the heritage, dignity, and sovereign rights of his Mi’kmaq Nation. Whether challenging colonial misrepresentations in historical records or pressing institutions to honour treaty obligations, his commitment was unyielding. He understood that reconciliation could only begin with truth, and he wasn’t afraid to speak it.

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Keptin Sark was the first Mi’kmaq graduate student from University of Prince Edward Island; BA in Political Sciences & Honoris Causa Doctor of Laws, UPEI. He was a passionate educator and defender for indigenous rights, sharing cultural teachings and ceremonies. A cherished Elder to the Mi’kmaq community with a lifetime appointment as Keptin to the Mi’kmaq Grand Council and Ambassador to the UN, guiding indigenous and non-indigenous people and communities with his cultural knowledge, and faith.

 

In early 2022, John Joe commissioned the Kateri Tekakwitha Shine at his home in Johnston’s River with the help of his friend Bruno.

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He helped design the shrine, similar in appearance to a large gazebo, and dedicated the sacred structure to Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, Blessed Lily of the Mohawks.

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Sark’s comment on the opening of his Shrine, “It has long been a dream of mine to offer a special place of solitude, reflection and prayer for everyone of all faiths, united by our Mother Earth, connected with our songs, dances and prayers in many languages. I pray that this lovely enclosure, assembled by talented volunteers with materials generously donated by local merchants, will offer safe haven for all souls that visit. Blessed Kateri is our Patron Saint of nature and ecology. We coexist and share this one home with everyone and everything since time immemorial and until the end of days.”  

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Keptin John Joe Sark was highly engaged in the planning, design and fulfillment of this project. In December of 2022 Keptin Sark made what would be his final inspection of the Shrine’s pine interior and custom-made stained-glass window.

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 Knowing his dream is being completed and his efforts to preserve and celebrate his culture and faith were to be carried on and with the publication of his latest book, Keptin Sark passed away peacefully in his home, a long-earned rest reflecting on a lifetime of incredible achievement.

 

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​More about Keptin Sark

Historian and Knowledge Keeper

• Authored Micmac Legends of Prince Edward Island and Epekwitk: Stories and Histories of the Mi’kmaq Nation

• Co-produced and directed the documentary Spirit World – The Story of the Mi’kmaqs

• Preserved oral traditions and corrected historical inaccuracies in public records

 Defender of Rights

• Helped draft the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

• Served as Mi’kmaq Ambassador to the Vatican, UN Human Rights Commission, and Acadian National Society

• Lobbied Pope John Paul II in the 1990s for an apology regarding residential schools—an apology that came two decades later

Cultural Guardian

• Persuaded Charlottetown Rural High School to drop the “Redmen” name in the 1990s

• Advocated for renaming the Confederation Bridge to Abegweit Crossing to honour Mi’kmaq heritage

• Promoted traditional arts like basket-making through the Minegoo Arts and Craft Corporation

• Supported community programs for peat moss mining, mussel mud harvesting, and oyster farming

Uncompromising Advocate

• Received the Order of Prince Edward Island in 2016, but returned it in protest over the continued honouring of General Jeffrey Amherst, who had advocated biological warfare against Indigenous peoples

• Called out institutions for symbolic gestures without meaningful change, setting a precedent for principled activism

Trailblazer in Education

• Overcame racism after dropping out in Grade 8 to become one of the first Mi’kmaq graduates from UPEI, earning a BA in Political Science

• Later awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws for his contributions to justice and education

• Mentored youth and led cultural ceremonies, ensuring Mi’kmaq teachings were passed on

Bridge Builder Between Cultures

• Honoured with the Indspire Award for Culture, Heritage and Spirituality in 2005

• Built lasting relationships with premiers, prime ministers, and pontiffs, always advocating for respect and reconciliation

• Known for his humour, warmth, and ability to make people feel seen—whether Indigenous or not

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John Joe's life was a masterclass in courage, compassion, and conviction.

 

Final Day

On January 8, 2023 Keptin John Joe Sark passed away peacefully at home in Johnston`s River, family by his side, at the age of 77 years. 

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Beloved husband of 50 years to Eileen (Dalton) Sark. Loving father of Andrew Sark (Emma), Jody Sark PhD, Jonathan Sark and Amy Sark. Grandfather to Jacob Sark, Bailey Sark, Layla Sark and Peyton Sark.

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 John Joe is now survived by many brothers and sisters.  His Bernard siblings include Cathy Fry (Dave), Keptin James Bernard (Sharon), Frederick Bernard, Elaine Rayner, Cyrus Bernard (Patsy), Judy Bernard (Kevin), Chief Darlene Bernard (Donald), Jean Bernard, Philip Bernard (Mary), Joan Bernard, Janet Banks (Cecil).  His deceased siblings include: Peter, Margaret, Susan, Darryl and Reggie.

 

John Joe`s LaBobe siblings include Mary Phillips (Sherwin), Micheal Labbe (Tracey), Karen Noye (Nelson), Leslie LaBobe (David), Sandra Hulan (Steven) . His deceased siblings include: Sharon and Jacqueline.

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He bravely faced death after a long battle with diabetes, renal failure and heart disease. His declining physical health never deterred him from defending his beliefs and fighting for change. His life’s impact, accomplishments, efforts and passion will forever shine as his legacy is immortalized in his teachings and within our found memories.

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