Indigenous artist’s work presented to U.S. president

March 10, 2016. Leo Arcand, artist from Alexander First Nation, learned Wednesday that his sculpture titled Courage was presented to U.S. President Barack Obama by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The Trudeaus were in Washington for a state visit. Arcand learned the news from Bearclaw Gallery, in Edmonton, where his work is on display. Gallery assistant Hope Wright said Bearclaw was contacted by the prime minister's office a few weeks ago and asked for information and photographs. Trudeau’s office eventually made a number of purchases. Wright did not know that Arcand’s work was headed to Obama. Arcand, who has worked mainly in soapstone since 1991, has had his work sold all over the world.