Jackson Beardy – July 24, 1944 – December 8, 1984

Raised early on by his Ojibway grandparents, Jackson was removed from his home as a child and placed in the government’s controversial “Residential Schools” program.

In 1970, Jackson and his family were forbidden entrance to the National Arts Centre gala in Ottawa. The show, commemorating Manitoba’s centennial, featured Jackson’s work.

In 1972 Jackson and six more native artists formed the “Professional Native Artist Association”. This has come to be known as “The Indian Group Of Seven”.

In 1985, the year after his death, 2 murals were painted in his honor. Based on prints of Jackson’s, they have since been restored and repainted. Read all about the Jackson Beardy Mural

You can read about Jackson’s life on the “Native Art in Canada” website.

Pics taken by Resa, November 28, 2014

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

I would like to take an appropriate moment to thank J. Walters for the posts of hers I used for Kids’ Month. Her blog Canadian Art Junkie not only features Canadian artists, but is running a special this year featuring 150 Canadian Artists to help celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday.

J Walters also features world wide art on her blog Global Art Junkie and if you like photography, check out The Photo Junkie