Bruce Malidi Alfred, a Kwakwaka’wakw artist of the Namgis Band, belongs to the whale and sun crest/clans. He was born in 1950 in Alert Bay, a small island community on the southern coast of British Columbia, Canada. Having been raised primarily by his grandmother Agnes Alfred, he has spent his life immersed in the cultural practices and potlatching traditions of his village. Bruce stems from a long line of prominent artists, including the Hunt brothers, and throughout his career has worked with, and been inspired by, such outstanding artists as Beau Dick, Wayne Alfred, Tony Hunt, Richard Hunt and William Wasden. 

Photo by Robin Quirk

Bruce began his career in the mid-1970s in an apprenticeship program offered by renowned artist Doug Cranmer and it was here that he learned the elements of traditional Kwakwaka’wakw design, carving, printmaking, and the steam bent technique for making boxes. Bruce maintained a close personal and working relationship with his mentor until Doug's death in November 2006, assisting in various projects over the years. Although he produces work in a variety of mediums and has worked on numerous monumental projects over the years, it is the bentwood box and its complex flat design that has become the primary focus of his artistic expression. 

Bruce’s life expresses a steady devotion to strengthening mutual understanding and connections between native/non-native communities. He maintains active community involvement through donations to various fundraising events, producing Potlatch pieces, coaching sports, and giving countless box-bending demonstrations for schools and island visitors. 

With a career spanning over 30 years, Bruce is recognized as a premier artist of his nation. His work is on permanent exhibit in several major museums, and in 2008 he was awarded the prestigious recognition through the B.C. Creative Achievement Foundation. 

A look at Bruce’s work over the years shows an uncompromising expression of his own style and commitment to set the highest possible standards. The broad scope of his contributions has helped bring widespread international recognition to both the art and the aboriginal community.

Bio and banner pictures taken by Robin Quirk.