It is with great sadness that the Bill Reid Foundation received news of the passing of its former President, Dr. George MacDonald on January 23, 2020.
Dr. George MacDonald had great appreciation and respect for the Indigenous Peoples of the Northwest Coast and was a close personal friend of Bill Reid. His creativity and vision were integral to the establishment and growth of the Bill Reid Foundation, the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art, and The Bill Reid Centre at Simon Fraser University. Dr. MacDonald was an important leader in the Canadian museum community and previously served as President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of History from 1983-1998. A widely recognized expert in Northwest Coast art, his contributions to the study of Northwest Coast art included publishing a number of books including Haida Monumental Art (1983, 2015), Haida Art (1996), and Chiefs of the Sea and Sky (1989).
We are grateful for his pivotal role in the development of the Bill Reid Gallery, and for his continued support over many years. We extend our sincere condolences to friends and family of Dr. George MacDonald.
📸 George and Joanne MacDonald, painting by Chris Hopkins