Tom LaFortune
(1959)

Tom LaFortune (Ketiwtel) was born in Duncan, British Columbia in 1959 and is of Coast Salish heritage. He is from the Tsawout First Nation of the WSANEC (Sannich peoples). Tom has worked with wood since the age of eleven, developing his carving skills with master carver Simon Charlie, while also working alongside his brothers Doug and Francis. The artist’s work is recognizable by his distinctive choice of colour. Tom’s artwork is collected worldwide and is featured in the finest galleries on British Columbia’s Northwest Coast. Tom is an accomplished artist, teacher and preserver of First Nations culture.