Goyce Kakegamic grew up on the Sandy Lake Reserve in northern Ontario alongside his artist brother Joshim Kakegamic and his brother-in-law artist Norval Morrisseau. This self-taught Modernist Ojibway artist exploded onto the contemporary art scene, impacting it and the Woodlands School of Art with great fervor. Today, Goyce's art is part of the permanent collections of the Museum of Civilzation in Hull and the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. Until 2006 Goyce had held the position of Grand Chief of The Nishnawbe Aski Nation for three three year terms. In Spring of 2007 Lakehead University granted an Honourary Degree to Goyce for his lifetime of work for his art and his efforts to improve the lives of his Native brothers.