Meet Joseph, the oldest Wolastoqey member in New Brunswick

This is part of a series called Ann's Eye, featuring the work of Ann Paul, a Wolastoqey content creator. You cansee more Ann's Eye pieces by clicking here.

At 97, Sylvester Joseph Bernard still thanks the Great Spirit every day.

He celebrated his birthday on March 20 Indigenous New Year at the seniors' centre inBilijk, also known as Kingsclear First Nation.

WATCH | See Joseph celebrate his birthday:

Here's what a birthday party for a 97-year-old elder looks like

7 months ago

Duration 4:17

From hearing Happy Birthday sung in Wolastoqey to displaying a 50-year-old powwow flag, Sylvester Joseph Bernard of Bilijk, also known as Kingsclear First Nation, enjoys his special day.

"The eldest member of our nation," Chief Allan Polchies said at the celebration, where Bernard, who goes by Joseph, pulled out old photographs and shared stories from his life.

CBC contributor Ann Paul joined the birthday party. Scroll through the photos and watch the video to see what she saw.

Ann's Eye

Photographer Ann Paul brings an Indigenous lens to stories from First Nations communities across New Brunswick.Click hereor on the image below to see more of her work.