Blake Debassige

Blake Debassige is a Native Canadian artist of the M'Chigeeng First Nation, born at West Bay on Manitoulin Island in Ontario on June 22, 1956. A leading member of the "second generation" of Ojibwa artists influenced by Norval Morrisseau, Debassige has broadened the stylistic and thematic range of this group. Debassige's paintings and graphics frequently investigate traditional Anishabek teachings about the nature of cosmic order, the cycles of the seasons, the interdependence of animal, plant and human life and the common principles at work in the world's great spiritual systems. He frequently relates these themes to highly contemporary problems such as the destruction of the environment, the alienation of native youth and family dysfunction.
Debassige married the Cree painter Shirley CheeChoo in 1978.

Debosegai, curated and toured by the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, July 12-September 8, 1985;

Woodlands: Contemporary Art of the Anishnabe, curated by the Thunder Bay Art Gallery July 7-September 3, 1989
Manitoulin Island: The Third Layer, curated by the Thunder Bay Art Gallery April 3-May 24, 1987

Last Camp, First Song: Indian Art from the Royal Ontario Museum, curated by the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, June 15-July 31, 1983

McMichael Canadian Art Collection

Ojibwe Cultural Foundation, Manitoulin Island