Nelson was born in Uranium City, Saskatchewan; he is a member of the Mikisew Cree First Nation from Fort Chipewyan, Alberta. He now calls the Yukon his home. Through years of working in construction, Nelson obtained his Journeyman Carpentry Inter-Provincial Trades Certification. Nelson believes in the importance of finding ways to help and work with Indigenous People. This occurred through working with the Carcross/Tagish First Nation Government for 11 years. As former CEO of the Carcross/Tagish Management Corporation, he believes in the importance of putting people first and money second. As a corporation, it’s important to invest in people; after all, that’s where the value is. The money will come, but it will come when the investment in people moves to that next step. Nelson has been involved with many boards and committees, both as Chair and director. Some of the following organizations over many years include Chair of the Yukon Housing Corporation, in 2018, former Director of Yukon Mine Training Association, former Director of the Yukon First Nation Chamber of Commerce, and former President of the Skookum Jim Friendship Centre. Nelson is known for putting programs together to help train individuals in the trades with an added focus on Life skills.