Richard Bedwash (originally Richard Petawayash), an Ojibwe artist from Long Lake #58 First Nation near Hillsport, Ontario, was born in 1936 and left an indelible mark on the world of Indigenous art. His vivid, symbol-rich paintings weave together storytelling, spirituality, and cultural reclamation, creating a visual language that resonates with the deep traditions and history of his people.

Growing up steeped in traditional Ojibwe teachings until the age of seven, Bedwash’s life took a profound turn when he was sent to St. Joseph’s Residential School in Thunder Bay. The trauma and displacement of those years profoundly shaped his identity and later fueled his artistic vision. At the age of twelve, he returned to the reserve, where he reconnected with his community and its rich oral traditions.

Bedwash's artistic journey began in earnest in 1966 when he apprenticed under Norval Morrisseau, the founder of the Woodland School of Art. During their time together, he developed his unique interpretation of the Woodland Spirit Art style, blending traditional Ojibwe stories with his personal experiences and imagination. Using bold, pure colors and defining black outlines, Bedwash brought to life the sacred narratives of his culture, often accompanied by his own short narrations that reimagined traditional tales.

In the 1970s, during a period of personal challenge, Bedwash demonstrated remarkable resilience and creative strength. He became deeply involved in efforts to reclaim and celebrate Indigenous identity through art, using his talent to uplift traditional knowledge and cultural expression. His work during this time included murals and illustrations that underscored the healing power of creativity and community. These pieces remain a testament to his ability to transform adversity into an opportunity for cultural advocacy and storytelling.

Judith Nasby, the founding director of the Macdonald Stewart Art Centre (now the Art Gallery of Guelph), recognized Bedwash’s talent and commissioned a series of paintings that would become the foundation of his first solo exhibition. Through their correspondence, Bedwash often signed his letters with the poignant phrase, “Yours in Native spirit, Richard Bedwash,” reflecting his deep commitment to his heritage.

Throughout his career, Bedwash’s art remained a reclamation of knowledge and an act of cultural preservation. His works, rooted in the spiritual and symbolic meanings of animals and traditional stories, became a visual chronicle of Ojibwe heritage. His style, firmly situated within the Woodland School of Painting, reflects the vibrant spirit of a culture seeking to heal and endure.

Richard Bedwash passed away in 2007, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, creativity, and cultural pride. His work continues to inspire and educate, connecting generations to the sacred stories of the Ojibwe people and their enduring spirit.