Noel is a member of the Coast Salish and Kwagulth people. He is a resident of Nanaimo, which is on the East Coast of Vancouver Island. Noel comes from the Brown/Lewis family; his mother, Donna Brown, and father, Jerry Brown.
Noel was taught by many; Richard Baker, Matthew Baker, Chris and Doran Lewis, and Craig Manson. His inspiration is James Christopher Lewis. Noel has been carving since late 1995. Grandfathers on both sides of the family were good carvers. Noel's grandmother is a resident in Cape Mudge, so he has been interested in art all his life. His family has a strong artistic background.