Minister of Aboriginal Affairs
Born in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Patty Pottle grew up in Hopedale, Labrador. After graduating from Amos Comenius Memorial School in her hometown, Ms. Pottle continued her education and received her Bachelor's of Education at Memorial University. She was the first graduate of the Bachelor of Education Native and Northern Studies degree program.
Ms. Pottle went back to Hopedale and taught for six years at the school from which she graduated. She is a well-known entrepreneur, with three businesses in the community. Ms. Pottle is the owner of D.J's gift shop, which was a dream of hers to open, D.J. Properties, and the Amaguk Inn, an 18-bed full-service facility.
Ms. Pottle has served on numerous boards and committees including: Tourism Nunatsiavut - Chair; Kamatsiatet Committee - Chair; Tasiujatsoak Trust - Trustee; Hopedale Town Council - Councilor; former board member of Labrador Inuit Association; and a former member of Nunatsiavut Transitional Government. As well, Ms. Pottle has participated in the Hopedale Heritage Festival and was a former member of the Agvituk Historical Society.
Ms. Pottle is the first female Inuit Member of the House of Assembly to serve in the Provincial Government and is the first female Inuit Cabinet Minister.
Minster Pottle currently resides in Hopedale with her husband Eddy, and her two children, Danielle and Joey.