A camera and car have been instrumental in Patricia Bourque’s 30+ year healing journey as a 60s scoop survivor. Born into the Abegweit Band, she was adopted by an Acadian family in infancy and raised in Summerside. Cut off from her culture and raised to speak only when spoken to, Patricia found solace in photography at an early age. The day she got her driver’s license, the world opened up wide for the quiet teenager.  Long drives and hikes in rural PEI brought Patricia to places that filled her with euphoria. Her camera became a treasured conduit for capturing that joy and sharing it with others.

Since then, Patricia’s camera has taken her on a decades-long journey of adventure and healing. It has helped her reconnect with her Indigenous community and given her the courage to show up in spaces that intimidated her.  It has also helped her find her voice after decades of feeling silenced. 

For many years, Patricia focused on event photography and was well-reputed for her work with the Province of PEI, the Senate of Canada, the City of Charlottetown, the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI, the East Coast Music Awards, and several other entities. She had the opportunity and met many community members.  

Today, the self-taught Mi’kmaw photographer is stoking the fires of her passion for portraiture and wildlife. Her innate talent for capturing movement and moments on film, combined with her compassion for those on the other side of the lens allows Patricia to convey the true essence of her subjects.  

She presently sits on the Arts Advisory Board for the City of Charlottetown. She has previously exhibited at The Guild, the Confederation of the Arts, the Eptek Art & Culture Centre, and Owen’s Gallery.  Her work has also featured in several national magazines and media outlets, including BEC-Business Elite Canada, Toque & Canoe, MacLean’s, Canadian Geographic, and CBC.

Patricia resides in Charlottetown and is a member of the Lennox Island Band. Her photography is available for sale through the Indigenous PEI store, the Fox Den in Bedeque and at the Indigenous Artisan Market in Charlottetown.