Obituary of Lisa Marie Bourque

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, wife, sister, and friend Ahasiw Iskwew, Crow Woman, Lisa Marie Bourque on April 27, 2024, at the age of 47.

Lisa Marie has deep ancestral ties to Wawasikew Sahkikan (Lac La Biche, Alberta) and Peeyasis Band 129. She was a member of McMurray Metis Local 1935 and was the New Dawn Métis Women’s representative for Region 1 of the Métis Nation of Alberta.  Honouring the Beaver Lake Trading Post her ancestors owned, Lisa Marie opened the Fort McMurray Métis Trading Post in 2020 to share Indigenous history and culture with the community. She offered traditional teachings and ceremonies, sharing her passion for traditional medicines, such as sage, sweetgrass, diamond willow, and tobacco with all who are open to growth and learning. She was a champion for sharing her culture and advocating for the rights of all Indigenous people. She was a fierce entrepreneur as well.

Her hard work for Indigenous people earned her an Esquao Award for Community Involvement in 2017 and a Regional Aboriginal Recognition Award for Culture in 2018. She was invited to offer opening prayers for historical meetings such as the Treaty 8 Chiefs, where Métis leaders and the Prime Minister attended. She has moderated the International Human Rights Day for the Multicultural Association as well as offered opening and closing prayers. Her business the Fort McMurray Métis Trading Post was highlighted in the YMM Magazine in 2021. Along with interviews for The National Women’s Association of Canada published in 2021. She was also invited and participated in the Arctic Winter Games held in Alaska to promote entrepreneurship, and traditional storytelling of turtle island. She offered blessings and prayers for the land used for the Métis Cultural Centre, prior to breaking ground and construction.

The Otipemisiwak Métis Government called Ahasiw Iskwew "a beacon of light, tirelessly advocating for Indigenous rights and sharing her beautiful culture with unwavering pride."

Lisa Marie meant so much to so many people. She was a leader, a friend, an artist, a healer. Her presence will be missed greatly at the Urban Market and Trade Shows that she frequented. She believed in inclusivity and was always ready and willing to help anyone grow and learn. She was humorous and outgoing, always there to support, advocate and uplift her family, friends, and community. Lisa’s Cree name is Ahasiw Iskwew, also known as Crow Woman. To be a Crow Woman represents her drive and motivation to create change and to make things happen.

She is survived by her loving fiancé, her Mr. Man, Manferd Bishop; daughters: Tylee and Haylee; mom, Peggy Bourque; sisters: Kristine, Mandy, Tabatha, Denita, and Nikita.

She is predeceased by her dad, Dennis Pruden; brothers: Harley, and James; grandparents: Elsie and Harry Pruden, Margaret Bourque, and Ernie “Squirrel” Quintal.