Fred Anderson Jr.

Tribe: Heiltsuk & Wuikinuxv Nation Origin: Born at Rivers Inlet BC in 1966Raised at Bella-Bella BC

When taking a look at the work of Nanaimo's artist, Fred Anderson Junior, one will find most impressive, the cultural link to the past reflected therein. The composition and subject matter of Anderson's paintings are a direct evolution of his upbringing. Anderson's formative years were spent Between Rivers inlet BC & Bella Bella and through the influence of his own family and friends, who were masters in Heiltsuk tradition art developed as a means of expression and came as second nature to him. Through the guidance of noted artists, Ross Hunt and David Gladstone, Anderson was able to develop his talent at a very young age.

He has since then evolved as an accomplished artist in his own right, experiencing outstanding success and acceptance. Anderson's art is a reflection of the strength and hope he derives from his own personal history. Each piece has a unique meaning to him based on the teachings from his ancestors. Anderson dreams that today's young artists can gain knowledge and encouragement from the masters. He himself offers his support through art exhibitions which Anderson believes, have provided aspiring First Nation artists the ability to exhibit their talents at the elbow of acknowledged masters of the arts. He also sees how art exhibitions allow dealers, collectors and the general public to meet, in person, famous people and rising stars in the media.

Anderson was proud to make the short list for the 2010 Olympic Logo with his Spirit Bear called “Awaken The Spirit”. Although Anderson currently resides in Nanaimo, one can find his artwork hung in galleries all over Vancouver Island and the Mainland. His artwork can also be found on a smaller scale, such as greeting cards, calendars and t-shirts. Many of his works are commissions, such as the eagles in a heart, a symbol of eternal love, often purchased as wedding gifts or the Heiltsuk Sisiulth & Moon commissioned as a comforting gift in bereavement.

Finally Fred Credits Matt James and Bill Smith for their support through the early years in Sobriety that allowed Anderson to bring his work to a new Level that influences many upcoming artists to stretch the cultural barriers and create beautiful conversations for years to come. Not Only did Bill & Matt help Fred develop the art but they also played a huge role in restoring the Confidence & Self esteem Lost while living his life in Addiction Fred Is Thankful and he say’s will never be forgotten.

“If you change on the Inside…your Outside has no choice but to follow.”

Fred Anderson Jr. Email: firstpeoples@live.ca

Featuring limited edition prints, art cardsand originals. Originals available by request

Heiltsuk Wolves “The path I have chosen”A long time ago there was a story about two bothers. The first was generous, kind, thoughtful and humble. While the second lived his life filled with hate, anger, greed and jealousy.

Which brother do you feed? Which path do you choose?

Heiltsuk Sisiulth & Moon “Embraced”The Sisiulth is a sea serpent that represents both the positive and the negative of who you are. The negative side is like the thief in the alley, that voice in your head that tells you that you are a failure and a loser and that suppresses your utmost potential. The positive side tells you that we must embrace the tough times, the setbacks and the failures. This embrace will awaken the warrior within. In order to accomplish your dreams, you must first wake up, embrace life, and claim what belongs to you.

The moon is for wisdom. It also represents the need to reflect on our past experiences and to acknowledge that all experiences in life, positive or negative, must be embraced and dealt with or we will always remain as the victims. If we acknowledge our past experiences, we will be set free from the bindings that have held us back for so long. It would be so sad to reach the point of death only to realize you have not fully lived your life.

The Creator tells me to learn to work harder on myself than I do on my job. Once I learned that, my whole life changed immediately. If I work harder on myself than I do on my job, I no longer have to struggle to get by. Work hard on your job and you will make a living; work hard on yourself and you will make a fortune!

Heiltsuk Moon “Distant Moon”I was told a long time ago, when I was in early recovery, that the moon represents the old people and that we should reflect on what they have passed down to us. These are words of wisdom. As long as you are doing better than you feel, you will be fine. The distant moon reminds me that, whatever I am experiencing at this moment, I do have the power within me to overcome all obstacles life puts in my path.

“Do not go where the path may lead, go where there is no path and leave a trail.”

This is my only design without my Signature Feather because it was my first Limited edition and not many know this but I came up with the signature feather because people couldn’t read my last name so I dreamt up my new signature feather after this design came out in 2004.

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Heiltsuk Thunderbird “In Motion”The Thunderbird is the most powerful of all supernatural animals in the Heiltsuk culture. It is a great chief transformed.

I believe the more beautiful the bird is, the better I can become. It is a manifestation of the spirit. This work was named “In Motion” because the creator says, “If you don’t move, I don’t move”. We cannot live life just waiting and wishing for things to happen. We need to put our lives "in motion". When you start to move toward your dream only then your Dream moves toward you & the great Thunderbird never quits knowing that Failure can’t cope with Persistence. What others Have is not because they are Lucky its because they choose to put

thoughts into motion and changing the way they think. “If you change the way you Thinketh..you Change the Way you Iseth” This is a gift the creator has given all man is the ability to change at anytime that we don’t have to be the way we are and we can change our whole destiny starting right now & this is the teaching of this design when I learned I don’t have to be a victim anymore and from that day I became Victorious by Changing my thoughts knowing that you are where you are because of what you have allowed into your mind each day.

Heiltsuk Sculpon & Thunderbird “Change”The Sculpon is a bottom-dweller fish that is rarely seen. The Sculpon has sharp spines on its back to protect himself. I believe when we change on the inside, our outside has no choice but to follow. When we start to discover who we are in life and allow ourselves to be seen, we start to transform into someone better & stronger than we could ever imagine. Change is good because there is nothing permanent in life but change..so make your changes positive ones. If you turn the design upside down its changes into the Thunderbird and you usually don’t see this until you actually do this. I call this the Miracle of positive change that we all have this ability to manifest your true potential that you were born with it and if you just look within you’ll see you have unlimited potential to enhance your gift and truly Live and not to just exist.

Heiltsuk Sun “A Time to ShineThere comes a time in life when we need to stop running east looking for the sunset. An elder told me that the day waits for no one. We must find those

gifts we were born with, the untapped potential that will allow us to experience peace and serenity. It is truly a time to shine and to tell the world who you are!

Remember, “If you think you can...or can't, you're right!

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I was told that all negative energy closes and traps our minds, keeping us from seeing the true miracles in our lives.

The sun, like our women folk, is the giver of life. Respect it and you will shine. You do not get from life what you want. You get from life what you are. It is time for you to shine. This is called Birth of the totem because it’s a birth of the Idea that you can become someone better , or someone who can really live life with genuine happiness. I was asked by my spiritual teacher many years ago Fred are you happy? I replied “yes of course I am happy” He said well then tell your face. That very thought will bring a smile and if you laugh hard enough Tears come to your eyes, laugh harder pain comes to your stomach, this shows that laughter is a amazing healer and a positive way to heal the body.

Heiltsuk Sun “Birth Of the Totem”

Heiltsuk Eagle "Lift Us Up”I was always told that the animal kingdom knows its place in the world. You will never see a mother eagle go into her nest, banish her mate and go her separate way. They share the equal responsibility of bringing a new life into the world.

I was also told that on the magnificent bird, one wing is for the woman and the other for the man, so that when both the woman and man have equal power & respect, they can soar their highest. If you look closely you will see a child in each wing and mother in the chest of the Eagle this design represents Family and the importance of balance. I really wanted to do a design that speaks to the family as a whole & this teaches us that even our children are great teachers. When a child hugs us and says I love you , They truly mean this as weget older our love often becomes conditional “I love you If” or when children fight they will play again just moments later and when we get older we hold onto resentments. Also when children Laugh they laugh from the stomach when we get older we hold in the laugh and never really let go..We have a lot to learn from our children.

Heiltsuk Ravens “The Bond”The bond we have with our mothers is a powerful connection and is something we carry for a life time. Women naturally are more powerful than men because they have the ability to cleanse themselves once a month. Men, on the other hand, have to work on this.

We have been told that the most powerful ,most influential and most wealthiest man in the world, had to come through a woman first.

The design above was done in honor and respect for our women folk. It is for that special woman in our lives who, for many of us, always gives, always knows when we are in distressed, and always knows what to say at the right moment. Often times, that special woman is our mother, who also knows the

power of Prayer. It is with our mothers we share this bond with that began when we were in her womb. Last I was told the pain a woman goes through while giving birth a man could never Bare and the bond we have with our mother is stronger than we think.

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This design was painted to give acknowledgment to those who have passed on to the spirit world. This design is called "Precious Memories" because these kinds of memories are great gifts, which we cannot buy or even relive exactly. They are experiences that can be triggered by a song or a smell or even a dream.

I really wanted this design to reach out to that person who has felt that their sadness will never subside and that words from others will never replace the emptiness they feel at the particular moment of loss.

This design will never fully heal our sadness but it will be a start that allows us to remember the joy our loved ones gave us during their journey here with us, even if their journey happened to be cut short.

Maybe the memories can fill many books and this is the awesome thing about Life... it is now your turn to give as much as you can because one day.. we too will make the same journey and the creator will ask what have you done? Have you given all you can? And were you a true Human being? Or were you a Human Doing?

Heiltsuk Raven & Moon“Precious Memories”

Heiltsuk Eagles “Eternity” Together forever…This particular design symbolizes the connection we share with someone we love. Our winged Brothers and Sisters tell us that respect is the fundamental element of all relationships. Eagles mate for life and symbolize the importance of balance in relationships. They hold to this basic principle of life and are committed to facing all challenges in life, together as a powerful unit.

The Great Eagle is also a symbol of power and freedom. We must cut away the old ties that have bound us to earth for so long and soar up to what belongs to us.

Realize this: “There is no way to Happiness, Happiness IS the way."

The vision of the eagle is so clear and precise in this. People who succeed in life possess the vision to know that bad times aren’t here to stay but rather pass by like the seasons.

Have you ever heard someone say,” I’ll take care of you if you will take care of me?" This kind of thinking is short lived. What I think is a more positive way is, "I will take care of Me for You, If you will take care of You for Me”.

One final thing, if you want your relationship to last just remember this, “If you Laugh in your relationship, you’ll Last in your relationship!"

The Great Spirit Bear is a mysterious and a powerful presence for the Heiltsuk people. The Spirit Bear is a symbol of strength, humility, beauty and solitude.

The Creator of all good things has instilled in you the same virtues. There is a need to “awaken” those gifts and to pass them on to those who need them. In this way we can begin a spiritual enlightenment, one that will benefit us all. Awaken the spirit within you. If you want change, everything will change for you. What we believe, we can achieve. Nurture this great gift from the Great Spirit.

Heiltsuk Spirit Bear “Awaken”

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Heiltsuk Salmon “The Journey Home”Our Brothers and Sisters from the water world symbolize determination and sacrifice. We often forget what they go through on their long journey that brings them full circle to the exact place of birth.

We need to recognize the determination of the salmons because they never give up and we also need to recognize their sacrifice because they give their lives to sustain so many creatures, like our winged relatives in the sky and our relatives from the forest on the land. Their sacrifice also feed the forest floor giving life to mother earth.

We call the journey of the salmons home because, like a circle, there is no beginning and no end to life. In this circle we are all an important part of the strand of life. If this strand is broken or one part of the circle is interfered with, it affects all of us.

The salmon numbers tell us how mother earth is doing. The fewer the numbers, means that we need to have a serious look at how we treat Mother Earth because all living things are woven into the Creator's plan and is an important part of our journey home as well.

What are we going to leave for our children and their children’s children? What are we doing to make this circle stronger? Are we allowing our lack of discipline to destroy mother earth and the home of the Salmon people? These are the questions we have to ask ourselves.

Heiltsuk Black Bear “The Strength in Me”The Great Spirit has given each of us a gift. Like the Great Heiltsuk Bear we possess amazing strength and ability to handle whatever life presents to us. My mother told me that when life knocks us down, we must be sure to land on our backs, because if we can look up, we can get up.

The Great Bear always prepares for the winter and we must learn from him to prepare the winters of our lives. The time is now to awaken the potential you never knew you had and to claim what belongs to you.

You were born to win, but life conditioned you to lose. When you can’t find strength in your outside world, look within.

Heiltsuk Mountain Lion called "The Silent Warrior" and speaks of our people who do amazing things for others and dedicate their lives to service asking for nothing in return and never Boast about the many things they have done. "Service to Many Leads to greatness" "If you give..You receive" These are our people who know the true act of giving where they get great elation from the act of giving...This is the silent warrior. A true teachers teaches others to be better than themselves , to be stronger & to know a lot more than we do by the time they reach our age. This is a warrior who says very little but impacts the world in a huge way also called movers and shakers.

Heiltsuk Mountain Lion “The Silent Warrior”

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Heiltsuk Killer Whale “My Spirit is Free”I have been told for many years by those who I trust and respect that in order to experience spiritual freedom we must let go of the past and throw away the old blame list that has us bound for so long.

I also know that courage is the most important of all virtues and it takes courage to begin to truly let go of our old negative patterns because, in almost a sick way, we become used to being negative or seeming to always attract ongoing issues in our lives. These negative patterns are what keeps us from experiencing true spiritual enlightenment.

A person who is truly humble will never admit to being humble, just as those who are spiritual don’t always become loud or intrusive; they just “Are”.

The reason I made this design was to show everyone that we can all achieve the feeling of not having a care in the world and get to the point in our lives where all negative things just won’t affect us or ruin our day anymore. Those who say, "You've just ruined my day," will know now that this is not true. We have the power to control how others affect our day.The people who say, "You made me mad!, is giving up their own power. When you have achieved spiritual freedom, you will know then, how all meaningful and lasting change begins first from within and then works its way out.This is when you can say without any doubt that “My spirit is free!”

The Heiltsuk Butterfly ”The Strength Within”This design is called "The Strength Within" & Is meant to display what amazing strength we have if we just take the time to look within that we can't find true happiness in another, we need to find this within in order to give to others. Also we say that change is a Journey of self awareness that in order to really change with no reservations we need to give up the belief that we "can't" I heard many years ago that "We were born to Win..Most were conditioned to lose"

Heiltsuk Dragonfly “Silence My Teacher”I was taught that those who know very little about themselves can’t handle silence. They often need to always talk or always be listening to something its like when things get to silent they become uncomfortable and experience fear. Those who know who they are and feel confident in them selves enjoy the time spent alone and the mind becomes so clear they can think out loud or they can learn from silence or to meditate. This is called silence My Teacher because I have learned to make silence my teacher and at times we hear our teachers say you just need to Shut the Door. I also learned in my travels that the we have control over almost every muscle in our body except the Tongue. We need to watch what we say and often is better to be silent and allow life to just happen. . "Silence has a powerful gift that is called Serenity that is only received through personal development and Self awareness" Those who know themselves call this a Gift those who struggle with self call this a curse... Once you find the right path you will find inner peace and the Dragonfly signifies inner peace and balance with ones self.

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Heiltsuk Turtle “Taking the Time”

The Heiltsuk Grizzly Bear “Dreaming”The Grizzly Bear is not only Feared but respected among our people and even the Animal kingdom knows its place and never takes more than needed from mother earth. The Bear always prepares for the winters & if we just take the time to learn that we also must prepare for the winters of life… Some winters are long , some are short , some are very difficult and some are easy but we must always remember that no matter what winters always come.

When the four legged take the time to rest and have built up their strength preparing for our winters, what comes after Winter? Spring.. Time of growth, time to shine and time to look back and see that we made it! Summer is time to Live and fall is Harvest and all starts again. Its how you prepare for the winters and true strength is in the way you deal with life’s winters. Bad times aren’t here to stay they are here to pass like the seasons. “In order to accomplish dreams

you first must wake up” Keep dreaming and the winters make you better not bitter.

Heiltsuk Eagle & Killer Whale “Drawing on the Strength of Others”Have you ever heard someone say “I am self made” well this is not true… everyone needs someone to help us grow to help us learn and to build our character. I wanted to paint a design that honors our friend who help us through difficult times and they always encourage us to never give up. I was told that the 5 people we surround ourselves with are those we’ll end up to be like. What kind of people do you surround yourself with? Are they positive? Or do they drain you of the joy you deserve by undermining other with negative words or do your friend uplift you and know that laughter is a healthy form of healing. I was told that motivation is simple, Eliminate those who aren’t motivated. Remember if you will change..all will change for you.. If you don’t change ..nothing changes and a you know you are growing when you outgrow your teacher this is why our friends change over time because someone grew..are you growing? Always surround yourself with good people not Dumpers and if you are happy..truely..Tell your face .

Many Years ago I was in a small community called Alkali Lake & I was approached by a longtime spiritual friend who smiled and put a cold metal piece in my hand and when I opened my hand to see what he gave me it was a Bronze turtle and he just smiled and walked away. I later asked him “Why would you give me a turtle?” he replied in your journey always remember to slow down and truly experience the creators creations and really see what beauty there is if we just take the time to slow down. I never forgot what Johnny Johnson told me many years ago and I make it important to not only take the time but to Make the time to slow down. Always remember the day waits for no one and we will never again experience each day exactly the same & change is constant so make your changes positive..yes its true positive thinking won’t get you everything..but it will get you more than negative thinking will. So Take the time to slow down you will see more & make your journey a joyful one it only happens once.

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Heiltsuk Thunderbird & Killer Whale “Spiritual Connection”

The Heiltsuk Raven in the Night SkyHave you ever looked into the sky on a clear night and the moon appears so close and the stars so bright? This opens up you imagination and we are able to feel for that moment a feeling of serenity. I called This in the Night sky because I knew that we all have this ability to fulfill what ever we want no matter what we've experienced in our past and the more we have gone through , the stronger the teachings and they are only teachings if you can let them go otherwise they can make us sick. I painted the Raven in the nightsky because if you ever watch a Raven especially the large Ravens when they communicate and you'll see that every step they take is planned and they seem to be aware of everything around them and they have been known to be very cunning and smart.

Heiltsuk Hummingbirds “Sharing the Joy”I was always told That Hummingbirds symbolize Joy and butterflies Balance . While painting this design It came to me to call this Sharing the Joy because we believe that your very presence can create joy or unhappiness because we were all born with the gift of choice. Humans unlike our Animal kingdom can choose and change direction at any moment and on this note you can choose to make your journey a joyful one or attract negativety. We have been taught that if there is no enemy within .. the enemy outside can do you no harm , which means true happiness starts when we start to make peace with the enemy within and once you do this its then possible for you to Share the Joy.

II was told many years ago that when a child comes into the world this child’s soft spot is there because the child is still in direct contact with the creator and the smaller the soft spot gets it then becomes the parents responsibility to keep that child in contact with the great spirit. This is the first spiritual connection we have and this turns into the Bond we have with our mother. Have you ever thought of someone and then you run into them or they call? Well this too is the spiritual connection we have with others.

Also to get the good things in life is also connected to how we think, is like a wealthy person never walks around saying I am wealthy.. They just are and someone who is truly humble never walks around saying “I am humble” they just are… People who are spiritual rarely use the word “I” they know that all we accomplish or get in life is because of others put on our path. “If you change the way you think.... you change the way you are” we are all connected and all of your thought are like prayers once you think or say something its gone…and working its way back around for you. I always say “Good things are supposed to happen to me” They are happening right at this moment”

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Heiltsuk Owl “Living”

Heiltsuk Spirit Bear “All that I am, I Owe to My Mother”Of course the original went to my mother and this tribute is to honor all mothers who gave all they can , sacrificed and helped shape our character. Its our mothers who pray for us when we forget that God is here , Its our mother who tells us maybe next time Son or don't stop my Girl when we just want to give up, Its our mothers who always seem to know when there something wrong even when we force the smile and reply I'm ok Mom. We could never imagine Life without her and its that same mother who says with her calm voice "one day I will go to heaven" and that’s when we get this feeling of anxiety and reach to hug her and cherish the days we have together. I was told that years wrinkle the skin but to give up happiness wrinkles the soul. I painted this to show my Mother that her teachings are safe with me and I will pass them on to others who will listen. No one laughs like you , No one cooks like you and we learned the importance of family and sticking together and I did this to tell her that her prayers worked and when the time comes we will be proud to celebrate her Life and the gifts she left with us. This is why I called this "All that I Am .. I Owe to My Mother"

Heiltsuk Angel was a painting that was inspired by the words I used to hear from my mother when ever I was going through a difficult time or when I felt fear my mother would say "Pray for Guardian Angels to surround you " and I really didn't fully understand her until my Son Passed and while standing there in front of his body I felt this amazing sense of peace and I knew there was someone standing next to me and I got It "We are all spirit having a human experience & we are all here to walk each other home" this quote I heard years ago and for that moment I felt it. Angels... I know now that what I do in this world does reflect into the next and I want to leave a positive legacy for years to come and maybe one day... I will be standing next to you?

Heiltsuk Owl called "Living" While working on this design I was inspired by a friend who was in the fight of his Life with Cancer The Owl is the one who represents Death to some , and wisdom to others I wanted this design to represent "Living" Not Surviving or Getting By, But truly "Living" and appreciating this gift called Life. The Creator sends us messages and at times teachings which we might call tough times. I know now that tough times don't last but tough people Do .. And like the owl who has the amazing ability to hunt at night , once we have faced difficult times where we may have had to fight for life itself , we will learn to appreciate the little things and to see the beauty in our surroundings or maybe the smell of the forest & learn to call to boring days alone Serenity . Its those things we learn to appreciate once more because it was the rush of life where we might have forgotten what its like to slow down and be joyful for every moment we have with family , with our spouse or to even just to Hug our children and say Isn't it great to be alive. Its maybe those people who have faced those difficult times where they fought for life now have a message to others by saying I choose to live and not survive. A tribute and I hope this will uplift your spirit by showing those who are facing difficult days ahead that you are not alone and we are only here on earth for a while , so make your journey a memorable one and make your life count!

Heiltsuk Angel

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Original Version of mySpirit Bear “Awaken”

Original Version of myHeiltsuk Eagles Called “Eternity”

Original Version of my Heiltsuk Wolves “The Path I Have Chosen”

Second Version of myHeiltsuk Ravens “The Bond”

Second Version of my Heiltsuk Eagle “Lift Us Up”

I Can Print to almost any size and can send the Giclee Print in a Tube for safe Delivery or have them Framed for you? I accept MasterCard , Visa, American Express and Paypal.

Fred Anderson Limited Edition Prints all bare the signature feather, a symbol that reminds us how we all have the potential within us to soar.

LINKED

Find Fred Anderson on

Heiltsuk Eagles

"Eternity"

Heiltsuk Eagle

"Lift Us Up"

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