Indian Gaming 2017 Tradeshow and Conference

Samuel Olbekson
Founding Principal, CEO, Full Circle Indigenous Planning
Principal, Cuningham Group Architecture, Inc.


Sam has more than 20 years of experience as an interdisciplinary designer, working successfully with Native American clients on dozens of culturally significant planning and design projects throughout Indian Country. Sam is known as a progressive and inventive design thinker and strives to help communities uncover respectful and innovative approaches to honor tribal culture without relying on stereotypical design clichés. An enrolled member of the White Earth Band of Minnesota Ojibwe, Sam is one of the few Native Americans practicing both tribal master planning and culturally sensitive architectural design. He brings the unique perspective of a tribal member who grew up in Native communities, both on and off the reservation, with a Master of Architecture in Urban Design from the Harvard Graduate School of Design as well as a Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell University. Sam’s extensive experience working from big picture conceptual visioning down to the smallest construction details of individual buildings allows him to offer comprehensive design guidance based on proven strategies for overall project success. Sam currently serves as president of the board of directors for the Minneapolis American Indian Center; board chairman for the Native American Development Institute; and board member and past president of the American Indian Council of Architects and Engineers (AICAE).

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