Calvin Hunt is the youngest son in a family of eight children. He was born into a wealth of traditions through both his father and mother. His father was a hereditary Chief of the Kwagu'l People of Fort Rupert and his mother, the daughter of a great Nootka Chief and Shaman, Dr. Billy. Since early childhood, he has molded a love for his culture; he learned traditional dances practicing for his parents and grandparents (Chief Mungo Martin and Abaya).

Calvin began carving at the age of 12. In 1972, he began carving full time as an apprentice with Tony Hunt (Art of the Raven Gallery, Victoria, BC). He remained with the gallery until 1982 at which time he moved to his ancestral home of Fort Rupert. In 1983, he opened his workshop "The Copper Maker." The prophesy of the gallery's name has come true as he now has three full time artists at the workshop, and occasionally up to four other artists working.

In May 1988, Calvin carved and raised the Hunt Pole, with the assistance of his brothers, nephews, and cousins, which is hereditarily owned by his oldest brother George Hunt Sr. The pole stands outside of his father and mother's home. He also carved a memorial grave figure for his father at the Fort Rupert cemetery. These poles were the first such poles raised in the village in approximately 70 years.

In 1995, during a potlatch given by Calvin and his brother, Ross Hunt Sr., Calvin received his Chief's name, from his wife side of the family, "Tlasutiwalis". In July 1998, he was seated as the fourth primary Chief of the Mowachaht; the hereditary Chieftainship, which belonged to his grandfather, Dr. Billy, of Tsuwana (Friendly Cove), his Chiefıs name being "Nas soom yees."

Calvin continues working in wood, including canoe building; silk-screened prints, gold and silver jewelry, as well as stone carving.