About

ᎣᏏᏲ. ᏓᏆᏙ Dagny Elise!

My name is Dagny Elise, and I am a proud citizen of the Cherokee Nation and the Shawnee Tribe. My mother is Cherokee-Shawnee-Kiowa. We also have Lenape ancestry from my maternal line. I grew up in Houston, Texas.

By day, I’m a dual Master of Architecture (ARCH) and Master of Landscape Architecture (LARP) candidate at the University of Pennsylvania. I also have a Bachelor of Engineering in Architectural Design from Stanford University. I specialize in Native American architecture and histories with a particular interest in the built environment in the United States and, to an increasing degree, Canada.

I enjoy writing, mainly about architecture and design, and I am on a constant mission to explore how Native American groups (as well as other Indigenous groups) can continue to make places for themselves in postcolonial societies. I hold the belief that our shared future is rooted in reconciliation that will benefit everyone, and I am committed to designing a future that will make both my ancestors and my children proud.

This blog functions as a repository for my research, thoughts, and explorations. It is constantly changing and growing as I continue to learn and develop as a designer and historian. Please bear with me as we learn together.

*For all comments and inquiries, email me at nativecitygirlblog@gmail.com.

*For a look at my design work, check out decarlsson.cargo.site.

All opinions expressed on this blog are my own.