(1950 – Present, Kwakwaka’wakw)

Bruce Alfred comes from a long line of prominent artists and has established a reputation as one of the premier Kwakwaka’wakw artists working today. Born in 1950 in Alert Bay, Bruce was raised and continues to live in Fort McNeil. He has worked with prominent artists including Beau Dick and Doug Cranmer, who taught him fundamental design and engraving elements and instructed him in the construction of steam-bent wood boxes and chests.

Bruce’s career spans thirty years, and over that time he has been an integral part of several significant public art projects. Working alongside celebrated Haida artist Bill Reid, he participated in the construction of a replica Haida village; he has also assisted Doug Cranmer with the construction of a Kwakwaka’wakw big house for the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Hull, Quebec. Today, Bruce is particularly known amongst collectors for his traditionally designed, elaborately carved bentwood boxes.