Dr. Richard Hunt was born in Alert Bay, British Columbia, in 1951 but has lived most of his life in Victoria. He began carving with his father, the late Henry Hunt, at the age of thirteen. He completed his high school education at Victoria High School in 1971. In 1973, Richard began work at the Royal British Columbia Museum as an apprentice carver under his father, Henry Hunt. The following year he assumed the duties of chief caver in the Thunderbird Park Carving Program. He remained in the museum in that capacity for twelve years. In 1986, Richard resigned to begin a new career as a freelance artist. Richard comes from a family of internationally respected artists, which include his father, Henry Hunt and his grandfather, Mungo Martin.
Artworks by this talented artist can be found in Museums and private collections around the world.
Richard Hunt received the Order of British Columbia “in recognition of serving with the greatest distinction and excellence in a field of endeavor benefitting the people of the Province of British Columbia and elsewhere.” This prestigious award program was established in 1990. Richard is the first native artist to be so recognized.
Richard received the most prestigious award of his career, The Order of Canada. “The Order was established in 1967 as a means of recognizing outstanding achievement, honouring those who have given services to Canada, to those who have given services to Canada, to their fellow citizens or to humanity at large.”
Richard received the Golden Jubilee Medal, the approved creation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in honour of her 50th anniversary of Her accession to the Throne and presented to citizens of Canada “who have demonstrated exceptional qualities and outstanding service to their country.”
Richard received an Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from the University of Victoria. This prestigious award has a special meaning to Richard because his late father, Henry Hunt was awarded the same degree in 1983.
Richard Hunt’s Indian name is highly appropriate, considering his accomplishments. Gwe-la-yo-gwe-la-gya-les means “a man that travels around the world giving.” Through his art, and his dancing, Richard Hunt has indeed given much to the world.
