Nationality
American, Turtle Mountain
Preview
Date of Work
2025
Medium
Carved marble
Height
20" with wooden base
Width
8 1/4" with wooden base
Depth
9 1/4" with wooden base
Collection/Provenance
Contemporary Indigenous Art Collections: Student Government Collection
Status
Pulled for Exhibition
Location
Memorial Union Gallery
Artist Bio
Alfred Decoteau is a proud member of the Turtle Mountain Chippewa Band, carrying with him a lifetime of stories, resilience, and artistry. Born in Grand Forks, North Dakota, in 1949, he spent his early years in boarding school, an experience that shaped both his worldview and his creative voice. After serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and receiving an honorable discharge in 1969, Alfred turned to education and art as a way to give back and inspire future generations.
His artistic journey formally began at the University of North Dakota, where he earned a degree in secondary education with a minor in art. For 25 years, he poured his passion into teaching at Dunseith Public Schools, guiding young minds before retiring to fully dedicate himself to his art.
For Alfred, rock is more than just a medium—it is alive, carrying the spirit of the land and the stories of his people. Through his work, he seeks to reveal that spirit, allowing the stone itself to speak and honor Native American culture. With every piece he creates, he invites the viewer to see beyond the surface, to witness the deep connection between earth, history, and heritage.
Additional Information
A carved marble sculpture of the top half of a bear. The artist titled this piece Medicine Bear, as a reference to the medicinal properties associated with bear salve.
Condition
Excellent