This timely book traces the history of Canada's renowned Manitoulin School of artists and examines their influence on an up and coming generation of Aboriginal artists. Through studio/gallery tours, personal interviews and historical research, the author reveals the formative experiences, sources of inspiration and cultural beliefs of this highly regarded group of innovators. This work is doubly significant since it coincides with a recent retrospective of the Queen of Woodland Art, Daphne Odjig, and an exhibition of her works at the National Gallery of Canada in 2008. In addition, the works of the late Carl Beam will be on display in Ottawa in 2010.

The purpose of this publication is to shine a spotlight on some of Canada's national treasures hidden away on Spirit Island. Many of today's Aboriginal artists were tutored by the "legend painters" but over the past four decades they have emerged as dynamic individuals with their own unique styles. Through this collection, the public will recognize and appreciate that the Manitoulin School of art has indeed come of age.

Throughout the book, the author explores some of the impediments facing Aboriginal artists in their struggle for equality in the Canadian art establishment.

Since Native Culture has been voted one of the Seven Wonders of Manitoulin in recent visitor surveys, these portraits help to satisfy the growing interest in this unique school of art, nationally and internationally. In Portraits of Spirit Island, Canadians are introduced to undiscovered First Nations artists working in relative obscurity. They will undoubtedly experience a renewed appreciation for Manitoulin artists who are revered overseas but little known or recognized on home soil.