Marcus Alfred can trace his family roots to not only the Tlingit peoples of the northern British Columbia coast and Alaska, but also to the Kwakiutl masters of the Potlatch, whose territory lies just north of Campbell River, Vancouver Island: Alfred's place of birth in the early fall of 1981.

Marcus began carving cedar over eight years ago, guided by teachers Beau Dick and Wayne Alfred. More recently he began to study silver engraving under Rick Johnson and the accomplished Paddy Seaweed. Always challenging himself to develop his skill and style, Marcus is one of many northwest coast artists who is preserving the carving traditions of his ancestors for future generations.