First Name: Cecil

Last Name: Youngfox

Full Name: Cecil Youngfox

Date of Birth: 1942

Place of Birth: Near Blind River, Ontario

Date of Death: February 24, 1987

Bio:

Cecil Youngfox was born in Blind River, Ontario in 1942 to Ojibway and Métis parents. He is known for his bold colour palette and flowing line-work. Youngfox was honoured with the Aboriginal Order of Canada and his painting Winter Travel was used on a postage stamp in 2002. 

Youngfox studied at Newman Theological College in St. Albert, Alberta before moving to Toronto in 1979. Youngfox was a very involved member of the community, often travelling to Northern Ontario to speak to students about his life and art. His work has been exhibited worldwide at galleries in Portugal, Germany, South America, and the United States. 

When discussing his work in the Sault Star, Youngfox stated: “I sincerely believe that whatever the work of art created, be it in song, story, stone sculpture, or painting, it ever must reflect a bit of that personal you, for perhaps unknowingly you have injected part of your life, your religion, beliefs, even your hopes and despairs into that finished product” (Sault Star, 03-28/1979, pg.20). Youngfox passed away at the age of 44 on February 24, 1987.