Simon Charlie

Simon Charlie or Hunumetse' (1919 –2005) was a Canadian totem sculptor of the Cowichan Tribes (Quw'utsun) of the Coast Salish nation, known for his wood carvings. He was born in Koksilah, on Vancouver Island, close to Duncan, British Columbia. A certain adzed texture is characteristic of Charlie's artistic style. Charlie described how his knowledge of the oral tradition of the Hul'qumi'num language of the Cowichan tribe inspired him to design his totem poles - for example the choice of an eagle with a dog salmon on top of a bear with a traditional Salish Swaixwhe mask for his totem pole at Qualicum beach.

He also trained several other Coast Salish artists including Jane Martson, Luke Marston and John Marston. He was the father of Cowichan elder Arvid Charlie Luschiim.

Awards He was awarded many prizes for his work, including the Canadian Centennial Medal (1967), the Order of British Columbia (2001) and the Order of Canada (2003). Much of his work was totem poles, and they are exhibited in museums such as the Royal British Columbia Museum in Victoria, and in the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa. Several of his totem poles are in the Totem Pole collection of the City of Duncan, including three at the centre court of the Duncan Mall. Many other pieces are found in museums and private collections in the US, Europe and Australia.