About the Logo Art
Our conference logo is a piece of original artwork by Richard Hunt, a Kwaguilth (Kwakiutl) Native from Fort Rupert, near the northern tip of Vancouver Island, B.C. The Hunt family has been at the centre of traditional ceremonial life and carving for generations. Richard's grandfather, Mungo Martin, was largely responsible for the rebirth of Northwest Coast Indian art. Richard began carving at the age of 12 under his father, Henry Hunt, also a renowned artist. Richard worked as chief carver in Thunderbird Park at the Royal British Columbia Museum for more than a decade. He is now a freelance artist. Totem poles, masks, rattles and prints are in museums and private collections throughout North America and Europe. In 1991, Richard was the recipient of the prestigious Order of British Columbia - the first Native artist to be so honoured - and in 1994 became a member of the Order of Canada.
In 2002, 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".
In May 2004, Richard was accepted into the membership of the Royal Academy of the Arts in recognition for his outstanding achievements within the visual arts.
In June 2004, Richard received an Honorary Doctorate 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.
This design represents a thunderbird flying through the air with its talons extended; it also represents Richard wearing a thunderbird headdress, which is used in the tamed Hamatsa dance at a traditional potlatch. The rights to this dance belong to the Kwaguilth people of Fort Rupert, B.C.