Amélie Archer is originally from Shippagan and lives with cerebral palsy. Despite her disability, she leads an active life. Using an iPad to communicate, this young artist has never allowed her disability to limit her activities. Through her drawings and paintings, Amélie tells stories in a very simple yet highly expressive style. Her works reflect her reality as a person with a disability, the environment in which she lives, and her deep connection to nature.

She graduated from Marie-Esther School in 2010. In May 2023, she earned a postsecondary diploma in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism Management from the University of Moncton, New Brunswick. Since 2012, she has given talks on accessibility in public spaces and her personal journey. She has been invited to several venues to share her experiences as a person with a disability, including at the University of Moncton campuses in Shippagan and Moncton.

Amélie Archer has always drawn. Over the years, this pastime has become a true passion. In 2018, she began including empty wheelchairs in her drawings as a visual element—a kind of signature that sparks imagination and reflection. This is her unique way of raising awareness about disabilities through art. Amélie’s desire for autonomy is strong, as is her dream to travel and make a living through exciting work. The Acadian artist hopes that her story serves as an example and helps combat the many prejudices that still exist in our society.

“Unfortunately, people with disabilities are underrepresented in society in all areas, including the arts. I believe we need to raise awareness in the community to encourage these individuals to develop as whole beings. Because we are people before our disabilities.” — Amélie Archer