David Neel: He is a professional artist, photographer and writer. His creative media includes wood, sculpture, photography and writing. He works within the "tradition" of Kwagiutl art in addition to contemporary works that deal with current history. His photography appears in magazines and books, as well as in museums and galleries internationally. His work has been exhibited at numerous museums and galleries including the Smithsonian Institution, the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the Kamloops Art Gallery, The Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography, the Vancouver Museum and the Seattle Art Museum. He currently has two publications: Our Chiefs and Elders (1992) and The Great Canoes (1995), is working on a new publication on the Pow Wow. He trained as a photographer in the U.S.A. for several years with some of that country's top professionals. Besides assignment work he has always completed personal projects. Today he photographs contemporary Native Indian culture for publication and exhibition.

As a traditional carver, he trained with Kwagiutl artists Wayne Alfred and Beau Dick, as well as conducted extensive study of museum collections. Neel draws on his Kwagiutl heritage for artistic direction. From his father, Dave Neel Sr., he inherits a rich artistic heritage. Dave Sr., a Fort Rupert (Tsaxis) Kwagiutl, was taught to carve by his mother, Ellen Neel and her uncle Mungo Martin. Both Mungo and Ellen received their instruction from her grandfather, Charlie James. Neel uses the work of his ancestors as the starting point for his own artistic interpretation.