Frederick McDonald

Frederick R. McDonald's early years were spent living along the Athabasca River following the traditional way of life of his Woodland Cree heritage. Hunting and trapping was an important part of his life until he finished high school. He then worked in the oil industry and after many years left his home to travel and to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the University of Calgary. In 2015, Frederick was appointed as Director to the Board of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts.

Frederick's work is concerned about the written and visual history of his people in Canada; and he strongly believes it is time the Aboriginal people tell their own story.

Frederick's culture recognizes honours and respects Creation and its wonders of colour. His work is a mixture of styles and expressions; this allows him greater opportunities to have a discourse within many segments of our Canadian mosaic. He uses colours and symbols to capture the experiences, the characteristics and the spirituality of his people and he paints in a style he refers to as "The Colour of My People".