Coming from a large family, Pat was introduced to the working community at the young age of 14 to help out with expenses at home. For years she did anything she could to work such as waitressing, delivering newspapers, cleaning houses, planting and pulling trees, cleaning fish, and finally started a janitorial cleaning business with her sister.
After a few years, her sister was unable to continue and they decided to give up their company. However, since Pat had only completed grade seven the only work she could find were jobs that only paid minimum wage with long hours and weekend work. With two boys to raise on her own she decided to return to school. In 1995 Pat enrolled in the Adult Education classes at Confederation College. After completing high school courses she then enrolled in the three-year Aboriginal Business Management Program earning a diploma and the Dean’s Medal of Honour.
In 2000 Pat applied for a position with OFNTSC. OFNTSC gave her a chance to prove herself and has given her an abundance of experience. Pat has been with the organization going on 19 years.