Claim Regarding the Estate of Renowned Canadian Artist Norval Morrisseau Resolved

VANCOUVER, Jan. 25, 2012 /CNW/ - A claim regarding the distribution of the estate of Norval Morrisseau, filed in BC Supreme Court by the seven children of Norval Morrisseau, has been resolved in an out of court settlement.

Norval Morrisseau, also known as Copper Thunderbird, was an eminent aboriginal artist who founded the Woodlands School of Art.  His works often portrayed the legends of his people, and were characterized by vibrant colours and x-ray views of people and animals.

Mr. Morrisseau was awarded the Order of Canada in 1978 and was acknowledged as Grand Shaman of the Ojibwa in 1986.  He died on December 4, 2007.

In the settlement, Gabor Vadas, the executor and sole beneficiary under Mr. Morrisseau's will, and the Morrisseau children have agreed to share in the artist's estate.  The agreement recognizes the significant relationship Norval had with Gabor Vadas and the Vadas family, and also ensures that the Morrisseau Family shares in their father's artistic legacy.

Ted Charney, co-counsel for the Morrisseau family, said, "This settlement ensures that the children of Mr. Morrisseau are able to share in management of their father's artistic legacy while also recognizing the important role that the Vadas family played in Mr. Morrisseau's life."

The Morrisseau Family wishes to enhance the legacy of Norval Morrisseau's art and aid his own native community through projects such as a memorial meeting house for artists in Keewaywin, museum exhibits and retrospectives and proper management of the copyright of his art.

Mr. Vadas, who was adopted by Mr. Morrisseau in accordance with the artist's shamanistic traditions, views the settlement as an opportunity for the parties to reconcile past differences and focus on increasing public understanding of Norval Morrisseau's art.

Michael Miller, counsel for Mr. Vadas and the estate, commented that, "The cooperation between the Morrisseau children and Mr. Vadas will help ensure that the integrity of the works of one of Canada's foremost artists is protected and maintained."

Amy Francis, co-counsel for the Morrisseau family, also expressed optimism that, "The Morrisseau children and Gabe Vadas will now be able to move forward together, working to protect and enhance the important cultural legacy left by Norval."

The Morrisseau Family was represented by Amy Francis of Legacy Tax + Trust Lawyers in Vancouver, BC and Ted Charney of Falconer Charney LLP in Toronto, Ontario.

Gabor Vadas and the Estate of Norval Morrisseau were represented by Michael A. Miller and Manuel A. Azevedo, Barristers and Solicitors, Vancouver, B.C.

Theodore P. Charney
Falconer Charney LLP
[phone]
[email protected] 

Michael A. Miller
Barrister and Solicitor
[phone]
[email protected]