I speak as one son, an artist, and an Ojibwe. I am a born artist.

“This is not by accident. I work with and out of Anishinaabe myths that have become the mark of the Woodland School of Art.

I have had to contend with the terrible strength of my father’s vision. I am not alone. Such was his ability, that there is hardly a Native artist who does not learn from Norval’s artistic strength.

My father taught by being. He never gave lessons. Art to him was waking in the morning. Art was revelation of the Ojibwe history. Art was getting ready for bed. I didn’t name it. I just knew it. I lived Norval Morrisseau’s art.”

Christian Morrisseau, was born on December 11th, 1969 in Red Lake, Ontario.  He was the youngest of seven children of the renowned Woodland Artist, Norval Morrisseau. Under the tutelage and guidance of his father, Christian was introduced to painting by prepping the background scenes for Norval. Christian’s incredible contributions to the Woodlands School came not only from continuing his father’s legacy but in providing his singular take on the traditions passed down to him.  He continued to develop his artistic gifts with passion, incorporating an array of symbology into his images, which reflect on themes such as: family, healing and spiritual beings. His unique perspectives are echoed through his accentuation of scale and colour composition.

Christian Morrisseau’s work can be found in both international collections and throughout Canadian institutions.  Heavily involved in his community, he taught the Woodland style to Indigenous and non-Indigenous students in Thunder Bay and communities across Northwestern Ontario and donated works to several charitable groupings including: youth organizations, health organizations, the Nishnawbe-Aski Nation ‘Treaty 9,’ the Spirit Bear Youth Coalition and The Outdoor Writers of Canada. One of his first paintings was purchased by the Minister of the Department of Indian Affairs, Robert Nault, as a commemoration of the historical treaty signing between the Inuit community and the Government of Canada in October of 2002.

Christian created a scholarship award in the name of his son Kyle, who was one of seven students who died while attending school in Thunder Bay between 2000 and 2014. 

Christian sadly passed away in November of 2022.