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Dear Editor:

I had an opportunity to review the August 2002 Ontario Birchbark and saw the article of Lt.-Gov. James K. Bartleman's visit to the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation. The article was well written and naturally the OCF appreciates the coverage. Thanks for a job well done.

Also saw the article on Norval Morrisseau - it may have some anomalies as I seem to recall that Norval stated painting in the late 1950s and was discovered in the early 1960s. At that time he was painting black images on birch bark. Some additional research on this well respected artist is due as he has influenced so many artists. Because I have had an opportunity to see many of his pieces for more then two decades, I recognize what makes his work so unique. In large part it is his understanding of the "old legends," which demonstrates the birthplace of where many of his expressions have originated. Anyone who has spent some time in Northern Ontario's boreal forests can sense the awe inspiring powers of creation forever in motion.

Paul Nadjiwan

Executive Director

Ojibwe Cultural Foundation