Pat spent a lifetime catching up to who she wanted to be. Growing up in a Métis family, it would take her decades to shed the prejudice and shame of who she was, to find her indigeneity. After escaping an alcoholic relationship, she achieved corporate success in a man’s world, switched gears to become an author of children’s books, survived breast cancer, and accepted her husband's wish to participate in MAID. These challenges are all part of Pat’s inspiring story.

Swiftly Flowing Waters is a raw reflection of the many experiences women quietly go through in life. It’s a story about finding courage, overcoming obstacles, and the discovery of joy and fulfilment along the way.

If you ask Pat to share memorable career moments, you won't hear much about her 25 year banking career as vice-president at CIBC in Toronto. Instead, you'll hear about the children gathered at Pat's feet as she tells them stories. Several years ago, Pat left corporate life to pursue her passion for writing. And now—she's a story inventor! She has written over 60 articles and stories for children and adults, and is widely published in newspapers and magazines.
In her new life as an author and storyteller, Pat often visits schools and libraries to spin her tales. Children enjoy the variety of dramatic shawls that she wears during her storytelling sessions; each one is specially designed to compliment the story being told. Pat loves to write in rhyme—seamlessly meshing together the elements of delicious poetry, story excitement and all those fascinating facts kids just need to know!
Pat lives in Cobourg, Ontario where she writes a syndicated newspaper story page for children. She is also the author of award-winning picture book, The Whoosh of Gadoosh, Illumination Arts, Bellevue WA 2002. Pat is a member of CANSCAIP and The Writer's Union of Canada. She enjoys hearing from her readers and can be reached at pat.skene@sympatico.ca.

Pat Skene's profile page