Lou-ann Ika’wega Neel is from Alert Bay, BC and is a descendant of Mamalilikulla, ‘Namgis and Kwagiulth people of the Kwakwaka’wakw Nation. Lou-ann has been a practicing artist for over 35 years, working in textiles, jewelry, painting, and most recently, digital designing.

“I love working in different mediums and using different materials… it gives me the opportunity to continuously explore new ways of sharing our ancient teachings.” Lou-ann comes from a family of artists; her grandmother, Ellem Kakasolas Neel, was one of the only women totem pole carvers of her era. “There are many artists on both sides of my family, so it is a real honour and privilege to have been taught our artistic disciplines. I am already mentoring several of my nieces so we can continue to have an unbroken line of artistic tradition in our family.”