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Norval Morriseau's children file lawsuit

The children of Norval Morrisseau have filed a lawsuit challenging the last will and testament of the acclaimed Ojibway artist, who was born and raised in Northwestern Ontario.

The children of Norval Morrisseau have filed a lawsuit challenging the last will and testament of the acclaimed Ojibway artist, who was born and raised in Northwestern Ontario.
Lawyers representing the aboriginal artist's seven children filed the lawsuit this week in B.C. Supreme Court.

Morrisseau, who was known as the "Picasso of the North", died in 2007 at age 75. His will, dating back to 1999, names his close friend, Gabor Vadas, as the executor, trustee and sole beneficiary of the estate. His daughter, Victoria Morrisseau Kakegamic, says she doesn't think her father would disinherit them on purpose. According to the statement of claim, Morrisseau's children have requested the court declare his will invalid.

The lawsuit alleges undue influence, as Morrisseau was frail from Parkinson's disease at the time. The filing also alleges that Vadas kept the artist away from his family, was verbally abusive towards him, controlled Morrisseau's life and profited from his artwork. None of the allegations have been proven in court.




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