Ancestral Portraits is a retrospective of the art and life of Frederick R. McDonald, one of Alberta's most exciting Alberta First Nations artists working today, and a celebration of a rich Cree heritage. With one foot in the world of his ancestral people, and the other in the realm of contemporary Canadian society, McDonald paints from a unique perspective and uses his art to communicate the culture and spirituality of his ancestors.

In the beginning: In the beginning, there are only thoughts ; Thoughts on First Nations art, some on politics ; Influences 1: My grandfather, my brother, and a river ; Influences 2: High school and beyond ; On the art of traveling ; Worldly encounters 1: Canada ; Worldly encounters 2: Australia ; Segregations/reservations ; On personal promises ; Indians first ... ; ... Then commerce ; Of colour and light ; At the end, a beginning -- In the other world -- Ancestors still talk -- Other thoughts on other things -- Way up north.