[1] His works, done in traditional Tsimshian style and technique, have had international reach, and he is known as one of the most prolific contemporary makers of Totem Poles in the world.

[5][7] He described his grandfather as a man who “could build anything”[1] and would pass on knowledge to Boxley, such as what wood should be used to carve, and how to create his own tools.

[1] After High School, Boxley attended Seattle Pacific University, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1974.

[1] He then spent ten years working as a High School teacher and basketball coach in Seattle, Metlakatla and Washington.

[2] However, Boxley mostly taught himself from his own research, and learned many traditional art styles and methods that had been lost to time.

Three of Boxley's poles stand at the Canada Pavilion in Epcot Center in Walt Disney World, Florida.

[1] In addition to Totem Poles, Boxley has made many other items, such as bentwood boxes, masks, rattles, prints, panels and paintings.

[1][3] Boxley continues to carve today, and in recent years has dedicated efforts to training and teaching younger generations of Tsimshian people his knowledge and techniques.

[1][5] David R. Boxley in particular has garnered his own reputation as a talented carver, and has started making Totem Poles himself.

[12] In 2019, Boxley formally took on an apprentice, Dylan Sanidad, through The Washington State Arts Apprenticeship Program, whom he will teach traditional Tsimshian carving.

An example is using latex paint instead of traditional Tsimshian pigments, such as copper oxide and charcoal mixed with salmon eggs and urine.

[1] Similarly, the director of the National Museum of the American Indian, Kevin Gover, stated: “David Boxley has been instrumental in revitalizing the cultural traditions of carving, song, and dance in his Tsimshian community”.

[3] One of Boxley's revival efforts was restarting the “Potlatch”, a traditional ceremony practiced by indigenous groups in the Pacific North West Coast of the U.S and Canada.

In 1982, Boxley lead the first Potlatch in Metlakatla in over a century,[3] also making songs and dances for the event as well as raising a Totem Pole he made.

[13][1][5] The Git-Hoan combines traditional Tsimshian song, language and dance, along with masks, costumes and instruments made by Boxley.

[1][3] Boxley is also concerned with authenticity in the Git-Hoan performances, having researched song style, dances, costumes and ornaments using primary material such as a 1913 silent film and a wax audio reel.

The Git Hoan dancers did multiple performances at the Disney Epcot Center, as part of the dedication ceremony for the two poles he raised there in 2017.

[13] These performances have been praised for bringing authenticity to the park and showcasing true Native American culture to audiences.