Naałkh’s Tlingit name is Kéet Yanáayi. He is Dakl’aweidí from Kéet Hít out of Angoon, where his family originates from. His father is T’akdeintaan from Hoonah, his grandfather is L’uknax.ádi from Yakutat, and his outer shell is Deisheetaan from Angoon.

Naałkh has been part of the NorthWind Architects team for over 9 years. He recently acquired his Master of Architecture degree through Haskell Indian Nations University and the University of Kansas, and now works full time at NorthWind.

Naałkh is adamant about projects that involve the Tlingit culture and indigenous culture more broadly hoping that his work will help the culture grow and improve the lives of native families everywhere. He is planning to work on design focused projects that help materialize indigenous culture in different ways in the community and is interested in pursuing sustainable tribal housing that aligns with tribal lifestyles. This includes helping to reduce carbon footprints, taking advantage of solar opportunities, and designing homes that work for large families and subsistence lifestyles.

naalkh@northwindarch.com