Indigenous Art Colouring Book - Holiday Edition Artist: Doug LaFortune

Artist: Doug LaFortune

Cultural Background: Tsawout, Coast Salish

Doug LaFortune was born in Bellingham, Washington, USA. He spent his childhood in the Cowichan Valley, on Vancouver Island, B.C. LaFortune’s artistic training includes studying at Camosun College and as an apprentice of the renowned Salish carver Simon Charlie. Since 1973, LaFortune has been working as an artist in several mediums, including carving, drawing, painting, and serigraphy.

Several of Doug’s totem poles stand in Duncan, British Columbia. At the University of Victoria, his welcome figures stand at the entrance of First Peoples House. Doug’s other top artistic accomplishments include a Salish Welcome Figure, presented to Queen Elizabeth at the Opening Ceremonies of the XV Commonwealth Games in Victoria, as well as a commission to paint a Thunderbird and Killerwhale Dance Screen backdrop to be used at the Lauwelnew Tribal School Cultural Village. In 2004, Doug – in collaboration with Charles Elliott – carved two 30-foot totem poles for Buchart Gardens’ 100th anniversary celebration.