Tom LaFortune

Tom LaFortune, KAtēwha‡et, is a carver from the Tsawout First Nation and has connections to several families from nations in the southern part of what is now known as Vancouver Island. He began carving at the age of 11 and has been carving works ever since, including masks, paddles, talking sticks, rattles, dishes, totem poles, and more.

Some of Tom’s notable projects include the Harvest Time and Owl Spirit poles for Duncan’s City of Totems, a totem pole commissioned by CBC that was featured in the 1994 Commonwealth Games broadcast, an owl figure overlooking the Ross Fountain at Butchart Gardens in Victoria, a 25-foot totem pole completed as part of Royal Roads University 75 years of changing lives celebrations, and a Salish archway for the Fort Rodd Hill National Historic Site.

Tom currently resides in the Victoria area with his family. His work can be found in collections around the world.