Frederick R. McDonald is a Woodland Cree artist, born in Ft. McMurray, Alberta, the oldest of six children. In his early years they lived along the Athabasca River following the traditional way of life of his ancestors. Hunting and trapping was an important part of his life until finishing high school. He then worked in the oil industry and after many years left his home to travel and to pursue an Arts degree at the University of Calgary.

Frederick's work is concerned about the written and visual history of his people in Canada; he believes it is time the Aboriginal people tell their own story.

Frederick's culture recognizes, honours and respects Creation and its wonders of colour. His work is a mixture of styles and expressions; this allows him greater opportunities to have a discourse within many segments of our Canadian mosaic. He uses colours and symbols to capture the experiences, the characteristics and the spirituality of his people and he paints in a style he refers to as .... "the colour of my people".