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Architect designs cultural-specific homes for Native Americans

Architect designs cultural-specific homes for Native Americans

A shortage of housing is the main cause of homelessness. But it’s also the type of housing that’s missing that’s to blame.

Minneapolis-based architect Sam Olbekson presents Wednesday at a convention of the American Institute of Architects Minnesota on how to design for Native American families. Olbekson is a member of the White Earth Nation and is on the design team of a 110-unit building the Red Lake Nation is building in Minneapolis.

MPR’s Cathy Wurzer spoke with him about his presentation titled “Learning from the Wall of Forgotten Natives.”

Click the audio player to hear their conversation.