CULTURAL GROUP:
Haida

BIRTHPLACE:
Old Massett, Haida Gwaii

William, or Billy, Bedard belongs to the Raven Clan, and is a self-taught artist. He was raised by his grandparents, and his grandfather was Chief William Matthews. He is inspired by celebrated Haida artists Bill Reid, Robert Davidson, and Reg Davidson. One of the memories that inspired his interest in pursuing Haida art as a career was when Robert Davidson returned from school and hosted a potlatch in Old Massett, raising the first totem pole in over one hundred years. William carves in wood, silver, and gold.