Designing the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Medals

Kwakwaka'wakw artist Corrine Hunt revolutionized Olympic history by designing medals that feature no flat surfaces. Unlike traditional circular coins, these medals are uniquely wavy and asymmetrical.

Hunt drew inspiration from her indigenous heritage to create these iconic pieces for the 2010 Winter Games. Each medal displays a portion of a larger orca or raven design, making every individual piece a unique work of art. Her work bridged the gap between ancestral Tlingit and Kwakwaka'wakw aesthetics and modern global sport. This innovative approach transformed a standard ceremony item into a celebrated cultural artifact.