William Nelson - Churchill River (Missinnippi) Artist
William Nelson was born at Birch Rapids on the Churchill River “Missinnippi” (Cree name for Churchill River). He went to live on Trout Lake when he was 14 years old and has lived there ever since. William chose to raise his family in the traditions of the Woodland Cree people with all his education coming from local elders. In this environment he became very skilled with his hands and is now a talented art and crafts person. William is self educated and reads and writes fluently, his favorite books are westerns. He has an extensive journal that keeps that tracks of information on the Churchill River around Trout Lake. He is now in his 7th decade and he is still very active and creative. All his children, grandchildren and great grand children are very close to him and are knowledgeable about the traditional Cree culture.
In this beautiful setting William develops artist talents that serve him well. The beauty of the natural environment and the necessity of creating items one needs such as hand weaving fishing nets, creating wooden materials, and building cabins including most of the buildings at sportsman lodge, instilled in him an ability to create many fantastic works of art. His talents are legendary in the La Ronge area
William is an expert in the lands surrounding Trout Lake on the Churchill River; his visitors include many distinguished guests that hold him in high regard for his ability to live without the traditional life.