Frank Nelson, Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw artist, was born at Gilford Island, B.C. in 1945. He is a member of the Musgamagq Tsawataineuk Tribe of Kingcome inlet, and is an accomplished jeweller, carver, and printmaker. 

Frank Nelson began carving in 1974 under the auspices of Arts of the Raven, the gallery owned by his cousin Chief Tony Hunt.  of his cousin, Chief Tony Hunt. There he learned his craft from such accomplished artists as Chief Henry Hunt, Ross Hunt, Calvin Hunt, George Hunt Jr., Oscar Matilpi, and John Livingston. The late great Chief Tommy Hunt, a great orator and composer, was a profound inspiration to him. During those years he participated in many art shows in North America and in Germany.

 In 1983, Frank held his first potlatch and assumed his father's chief name, "Yekawid." ​ Yekawid takes great pride in the role he plays amongst his people. He has been a dancer, and is now an accomplished composer and singer and one of the lead singers in Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw potlatches. ​

Yekawid has been instrumental in organizing "Tribal Journeys", both for welcoming of participants from around the world for the 1994 Commonwealth Games and those from across the continent for the 1997 North American Indigenous Games. ​

Yekawid Chief Frank Nelson will continue his work to ensure that the Tsawataineuk people will once again become the proprietors of their own songs and dances, and above all, their own art. To this end, Yekawid will continue to “echo that spirit that was left to us by our forefathers.”​