​Debbie Hunt's Bio

Debbie Hunt belongs to the Kwakiutl Band of the KwaKwaKwa’wakw Nation. She was born and raised in Victoria, B.C. and also considers Fort Rupert, B.C. her home too. Debbie has been given the name Hamdzidi (meaning “to not hesitate to help out”). Her name comes from her grandmother Helen Hunt.

Debbie Hunt comes from a proud and talented artistic family. Debbie’s grandfather was the late Henry Hunt, and her father was the late hereditary Chief and Master carver Tony Hunt, Nakapenkim (meaning ten times Chief). Her brother was the late renowned carver/artist Tony Hunt Jr.

Debbie is very proud of her Kwakiutl and Tlingit history and artistry, and she regards her culture as the strength to maintaining traditional songs and dances. She has a special love for the designs and the vital role it plays in potlatches and culture.
In September 2012, Debbie helped paint the Hosaquami Pole, that Chief Tony Hunt carved and that his Honour Lieutenant Governor Steven Point presented to Government House in Victoria, B.C.

Debbie trained under Master Goldsmith Valentin Yotkov, and participated in a Chasing and Repousse course - the art and magic of sculpting in metal. It was awesome!

In April 2010, Debbie created two - one and a half inch silver bracelets using her father's designs, and these were presented to The Honourable Steven Point, the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia and his wife Gwendoline. The bracelets were presented after a special day of a Canoe Launch that his honour and Chief Tony Hunt carved together.

In February 2010, Debbie participated in the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver, B.C. What an honour and privilege to be part of such a rare opportunity!

Debbie was 1 of 100 new artists selected in a juried process and was among 1100 artists to participate in Santa Fe Indian Market (SWAIA) in New Mexico. This was extremely exciting and to experience Santa Fe during the Indian Market was awesome! So creatively inspiring!

Debbie was 1 of 36 artists selected, from the USA, Canada, Central and South America, to attend an Art Market in New York City! This event was at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. This was a huge honour and exciting event to attend. Debbie was also inspired by all the other artists there and enjoyed sharing creative ideas.

Debbie Hunt Designs
Cell 778.269.4714
Email debbiehunt14@shaw.ca