In Honour of Martha Albert, Board Chair

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of our beloved Board Chair, Martha Albert. Martha first touched the earth from the eastern doorway on December 24, 1944. She completed her sacred journey (bmaadziwin) on December 3, 2025. We offer our good thoughts and our prayers to her spirit, to her family members and to her friends and acquaintances as she prepares to change worlds on her journey through the western doorway. 

Martha has been part of the SOAHAC family for most of our organization’s existence. She offered her guidance, leadership and eldership with love and purpose, bringing her whole heart to every role she carried. Her contributions were grounded in the Seven Grandfather Teachings of the Anishnaabe. Her kindness, humility and deep commitment to the wholistic well being of Indigenous children, families and communities shone through everything she did.

Throughout her many years of service as Board Member, Elder and President, Martha helped shape the growth, spirit and future direction of SOAHAC. She strengthened our programs, supported our teams and upheld the teachings and values that guide our work for the communities we serve. 

As we navigate this loss, we acknowledge the cultural significance of grief and the importance of supporting one another in a good way. In many Indigenous traditions, the passing of a community leader invites us to pause, reflect, lift each other up and honour her legacy during her celebration of life. We hold Martha’s family, community and all who knew and loved her in our prayers as they begin the sacred and difficult task of helping Martha create a good path for her journey home to the Creator. 

We know this news may be difficult for many across our community, especially for those who worked closely with Martha over the years. We will share more information about memorial arrangements and opportunities to honour her memory once these details are confirmed. In the meantime, we encourage everyone to offer your prayers and thoughts for Martha’s family and to ask for a safe passage as she journeys home. 

We honour her memory. 

-Jan Martin