I was born in the Northwest Territories in 1944. My father was an American Negro soldier and my mother was a Métis. Because I was half black, I was not welcomed. At four, I was sent to a residential school. I didn’t fit in there either, and life was chaotic. I learned you were on your own in this world. But I was gifted with talent and intelligence.
A job in the logging industry led to a full-time career as a forestry contractor in British Columbia. Drawing was a favourite pastime because I could create a world that I liked and show people that their ideas about me might be mistaken.
I married a remarkable woman, and we started a family. We are now grandparents.
Discovering Art After Retirement
I retired at 53 and enrolled at the Victoria College of Art. After graduation, my intention was to paint what would appeal to corporations and the public; however, my desire to express myself as a dark-skinned Canadian became my path.
I knew that with my mixed ancestry, there would be problems with me claiming Aboriginal identity — my art might not be considered authentic and I lacked its spiritual traditions; however, I knew firsthand those emotions. I applied for and received arts grants from the government based on my indigenous ancestry. The same agency also bought my art.
My years at the residential school weren’t the happiest. But when you are a kid, there are moments of happiness, which are reflected in my use of bright colours to shed light on dark subject matter. I paint the experience of a residential school survivor, where children were denied their heritage. Nowadays, I look back at both the good and the bad, which helps me to move forward with a sense of purpose. There is now a sense of peace and satisfaction in my life.
See the Exhibition: A Progressive Identity
Robert Burke’s show, A Progressive Identity, is on display at CPAG from March 13 to May 30, 10am–4pm, Tuesdays to Saturdays, in the Lower Gallery. 126 Ingram St, Duncan. cowichangallery.ca
This article originally appeared in the Cowichan Valley Voice Magazine, April 2026 Issue 209.