Oscar Matilpi Jr.

Oscar Matilpi Jr. was born in Freshwater Bay, B.C. at the families logging camp.Oscar lived in Itsekan, (Matilpi Village) Turnour Island, Tsaxis, Alert Bay and Victoria. He was for many years a fisherman, logger and carver. Henry Hunt Sr., Oscar's brother-in-law, taught Oscar to carve. They continued to work together at Thunderbird Park in Victoria in the 1960's. Oscar continued to carve for the rest of his life and took great pride in the work that he produced. He carved many masks, totem poles and potlatch masks. His favorite figure was the Sisiutl. Two of Oscar's works of art remain proudly displayed in the Museum in Victoria, B.C. They are a Sisiutl mask and a Sisiutl feast dish. Oscar's casket is adorned with a Sisiutl design that was done by John Livingston and Richard Hunt.