Dawson Matilpi

Kwakwaka’wakw Nation

Dawson Matilpi was born in 1999 in Victoria, British Columbia. He is the second oldest of eight siblings. Dawson has both Kwakwaka’wakw and upper Nicola ancestry. His grandfather was the Kwakwaka’wakw Master Carver, Ozzie Matilpi.

He first started carving with the Victoria Native Friendship Centre (VNFC), which was seeking young Indigenous carvers to assist with carving a totem pole. The pole was raised in front of VNFC in March of 2016. Dawson picked up Northwest carving very quickly and has enjoyed developing his own style. He is currently an apprentice to Master Carver Moy Sutherland.