Doug LaFortune was born in Bellingham, Washington, USA. He spent his childhood in the Cowichan Valley, on Vancouver Island, B.C. LaFortune’s artistic training includes studying at Camosun College and as an apprentice of the renowned Salish carver Simon Charlie. Since 1973, LaFortune has been working as an artist in several mediums, including carving, drawing, painting, and serigraphy.