From 1966 to 1968, Richard Bedwash was a student of Norval Morrisseau, whose subject matter, pictographic style, and deliberate use of organic materials are clearly reflected in the present 1985 work by Bedwash.

Of a similar work in the University of Guelph art collection, Bedwash provided a didactic text for his subject, "Long ago, the Ojibway and Cree were puzzled as to why their lakes and ponds were drying up and why the water animals were covered with sores. They were visited by the medicine beaver who cured the animals and raised the water level. To this day, many still use the medicinal powers which the beaver has within its body" (The University Of Guelph Art Collection: A Catalogue of Paintings, Drawings, Prints and Sculpture, 1980, p. 25, fig. 77.72).