At the tender age of 11, Sophia Bourque is already actively involved in promoting and preserving Indigenous heritage cultures. Sophia takes pride in her extensive knowledge of her Wolastoqiyik [wool-las-two-wi-ig] heritage, appreciating the traditional wisdom she has received from Elders, family, and artisans along the way. Demonstrating a passion for advocacy and leadership from early on, Sophia has opened gatherings for International Women’s Day, led the Red Dress Walk, and participated in various awareness-raising events.
At the 2023 provincial heritage fair, Sophia earned multiple awards for her project on Quillwork, highlighting Mi’kmaq artist Melissa Peter-Paul. She was also recently recognized as the National winner of Canada’s National History Society for the Young Citizens Award. Sophia was also an active participant in Truth and Reconciliation Day events in 2023, showcasing traditional songs and dance at various schools on Epekwitk and across Turtle Island via Zoom.
Alongside all these other achievements on the Island, Sophia was also a winner of the “We are Wabanaki” contest in New Brunswick, which promotes positivity and emphasizes the importance of education and heritage preservation for the Wabanaki peoples.
For her remarkable efforts to advocate for Indigenous cultures here on the Island and across Turtle Island, Sophia Bourque is being honoured with the Catherine Hennessey Heritage Activism Award in the Young Adult Category.