Norval Morrisseau
(1931 - 2007)
RCA, Order of Canada
Norval Morrisseau was an Indigenous Canadian artist, born March 14, 1931, in Beardmore, Ontario near Thunder Bay. He grew up in a family of hunters and fishermen. A self-taught painter, he was introduced to Anishinaabe traditions and culture by his grandmother.
He was a member of the Ojibwe First Nation (also known as Anishinaabe) and is widely considered the father of Anishinaabe pictographic art and one of Canada's most influential Indigenous artists. His life and work have had a significant impact on the recognition and promotion of Indigenous art in Canada. His paintings tell traditional stories and reflect the spirituality and worldview of his people.
Over the years, Morrisseau gained international fame. His works have been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world. He has also received numerous awards and recognitions for his work.
He became a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts in 1970. He then received the Order of Canada in 1978 and in 1980 honorary doctorates from McGill University and McMasters.
He died on December 4, 2007.