Bernadette (Bernie) Ann Aiken entered the spirit world on December 15, 2021, at the Hospice House of Spokane. She comes from the Pembina Band of the Ojibwe Plains people, born on the Turtle Mountain Reservation, Belcourt, North Dakota on June 8, 1946. Her Indian name is Ogemabennasay, Queen Thunderbird, belonging to the Bear clan. Bernie is the fifth child born to Eliza and Frank Aiken. Her nickname was Gigirl. She is survived by three sons, Anthony David Nolan, James Lee Nolan, and Jeremy Vincent Nolan and four step-sons, Shawn Currie, Joey Morning Owl, Aaron Eagle Speaker, and Wayne, Jr. Eagle Speaker as well as five grandchildren, Shayla Dawn Nolan, Shiann Jade Nolan, Jeremy James Nolan, Janaya Renae Nolan, and Luke Emerson Nolan and four step-grandchildren, Denise Jean Morning Owl, Cecilia Morning Owl, Jillian Morning Owl, and Joshua Morning Owl.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a brother, Frank Vincent Aiken. She leaves behind three brothers, Donald Lloyd Aiken, Ronald Aiken, and Ted Aiken and two sisters, Patricia Simmons and Alma Vince and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bernie graduated from Bishop Ryan High School, Minot, North Dakota and retired from U.S. West beginning as an operator for Pacific Northwest Bell Telephone Company. She was a U. S. West manager, presenter on diversity for Voices of Many Feathers, initiator of HoopFest, PowWow Head Dancer, community volunteer, foster mom, board member, and the hub of our family. She enjoyed camping, gathering sage and cedar, beading, gardening, and spending time with her grandchildren. Bernie was a Sun Dancer, pipe carrier, medicine woman, and ceremonial person who taught traditional and spiritual teachings of the sweat lodge and culture of the Ojibwe.  Bernie was an exceptional person, so loving to all who entered her home.  She will forever be missed who knew and loved her.