Roy Thomas was an Ahnisnabae-born Ojibwa artist who resided in Thunder Bay, Ontario. He was born in the small Northwestern Ontario community of Long Lac, on December 29, 1949.  To this day, Roy is considered to be one of the most influential aboriginal artists in Canada and became well known when aboriginal art gained mainstream popularity in the late 1960's and early 70's. While he was basically a self-taught artist, Roy was guided by the memories of his grandparents who inspired him as an artist. It was his grandparents who recognized his talent and encouraged him to draw what he saw through their stories.  Roy was a painter in the Ojibwa Woodland style.  He painted the visions and teachings of his people for his family, for the community, and for his nation.  During his years of painting, Roy has presented his art in numerous one-man shows in Canada, United States and Europe. He participated in a number of group shows nationally and internationally. His work is found in many national and international collections including: The Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto, Ontario; Esso Resources, Edmonton, Alberta; Foreign Affairs and International Trade (Canada); McMichael Canadian Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario; The Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, Ontario; The National Museum of Man, Ottawa, Ontario; Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Thunder Bay, Ontario; Inuit Gallery, Mannheim, Germany; and the National Gallery of Ethnology, Osaka, Japan.  Roy Thomas died of cancer in 2004.