Tom LaFortune

Name: Tom Lafortune Tribal Affiliation: Coast Salish Birthplace: Duncan, BC Born: April 28, 1959 Tom LaFortune is the third of six well-known brothers that are Northwest Coast Native artists. A carver since 1972, he has studied alongside his brothers, as well as with Simon Charlie and Terry Jackson. LaFortune has also taken other carvers under his wing, most notably George Pennier, Rich Prescott, and his nephew, Darryl Baker. Although he has released two prints, LaFortune works mainly in wood, carving masks and totem poles. In 1994, the C.B.C. commissioned him to create a piece for the Commonwealth Games, which were held in Victoria, BC.