Dawson Matilpi-Peel

Dawson Matilpi-Peel was born in 1999 in Victoria British Columbia and is the second oldest of eight siblings. Dawson is from the Kwakwaka’wakw and upper Nicola (Okanagan) nations. His grandfather was Master Carver Ozzie Matilpi from Kwakwaka’wakw. 

Dawson first started carving with the Victoria Native Friendship Centre (VNFC) when they were seeking young Native carvers to assist in carving a totem pole, which was raised in front of the VNFC in March of 2016. Dawson picked up Northwest carving quickly, which he enjoys to do and he is now starting to form somewhat of his own style. Dawson is an apprentice to master carver Moy Sutherland.