Ellen Neel

Ellen Neel

Legacy

Ellen passed away in 1966. She helped establish Native arts as a way for Natives to support their communities and continue their heritage.

She was a leader who advocated for women while working in a field dominated by men. She influenced many female carvers who followed in her footsteps.

In 2004, the totem pole she donated to the University of British Columbia was recreated by master carvers and rededicated with an elaborate ceremony held by the Kwakwaka'wakw Chief of the Heiltsuk Nation.

She brought back the totem pole art while maintaining the authenticity of Kwakwaka’wakw style.

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Canadian artist, 1916 - 1966

A Kwakwaka'wakw native artist woodcarver. Considered the first professional female totem pole carver.

Totemland

She opened the Totem Arts Studio in 1948, as part of the park, and visitors were able to purchase native crafts and watch her and her family work.

Aside from small carvings, she made several large-scale totem poles, including ones for hotels, museums, and a 16 foot-totem to the University of British Columbia.

The president of the Native Brotherhood of British Columbia, Chief William Scow of Alert Bay, presented the totem. The Kwicksutaineuk Nation also gave to the University of British Columbia and its sports teams the unique right to use the thunderbird as its mascot.

Her start

In 1938 she married Ted Neel and moved to Vancouver. They had 7 children. Her carvings made money for her family.

Learned to carve from her grandfather. She sold her first carving by 12.

Totemland Society (promotional group that showcased native arts) commissioned Neel to create the Totemland Pole and logo. This made her financially stable, and considered an established artist.