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Norval Morrisseau (1932–2007) was an Indigenous Canadian artist from the Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek First Nation. Morrisseau founded the Woodlands School of Canadian Art and was a prominent member of the Indigenous Group of Seven, founded in 1973 and consisting of Indigenous painters who exhibited broadly in the art world.

Morrisseau’s painting style is characterized by its thick black lines and bold colors. In addition, he created works influenced by traditional legends with a deep connection to spirituality, which explored the political and cultural oppositions between Native Canadian and European-settler traditions.

Morrisseau was the eldest of five children born to Grace Theresa Nanakonagos and Abel Morrisseau. He learned the stories and cultural traditions of his people from his grandfather Moses Potan Nanakonagos, a shaman trained within the Midewiwin spiritual tradition. As well he was influenced by his grandmother’s Catholicism. At the age of six, Morrisseau attended St Joseph’s Indian Residential School in Fort William, Ontario.

He was also known by his name Miskwaabick Animiiki [Copper Thunderbird], which was a name given to him at age 19. Morrisseau’s work was championed by Selwyn Dewdney, an anthropologist who shared Western art influences with him. He connected with gallerist Jack Pollock in 1962 and showed his work at the Pollock Gallery, breaking down barriers for Indigenous artists in a contemporary art context. Additionally, Morrisseau garnered several impressive commissions, such as the 1967 Expo Canada mural.