Lennox Island Chief Darlene Bernard is retiring after nearly 20 years in position [Video]

After nearly two decades in leadership, Chief of Lennox Island First Nation Darlene Bernard is stepping down.

In a letter to her community this week, Bernard said she will not seek re-election, calling it “one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make.”

She first served as chief from 2001 to 2013, then returned to the role six years ago.

“I see so many great things happening and I’ve been leading the charge. It’s almost heartbreaking to say, oh, you know, you’ve got to let go all that kind of stuff,” she told CBC News.

“It was hard for me to walk away from a leadership role because… you become who you are. Like, you know, you’re the chief, you’re the leader, and it becomes your life.”

Chief Darlene Bernard of Lennox Island First Nation says deciding not to seek re-election was one of the hardest choices she’s ever …