Richard Hunt began carving with his father, the late Henry Hunt, at the age of thirteen. He completed his high school education. In 1973, Richard began work at the Royal British Columbia Museum as an apprentice carver under his father. The following year he assumed the duties of chief carver in the Thunderbird Park Carving program. He remained in the museum in that capacity for twelve years. In 1986, Richard resigned to begin a new career as a freelance artist. Richard comes from a family of internationally respected artists, which include his father Henry Hunt and his grandfather Mungo Martin. In 1991, Richard Hunt receive the order of British Columbia "in recognition of serving with the greatest distinction and excellence in a field of endeavor benefiting the people of the Province of British Columbia and elsewhere." This prestigious award program was established in 1990. Richard is the first native artist to be so recognized. Richard Hunt's Indian name is highly appropriate, considering his accomplishments. Gwel-la-yo-gwe-la-gya-les means "a man that travels around the world giving" Through his art, and his dancing, Richard Hunt has indeed given much to the world.