Nick Alan Foote, known by his Tlingit name G̲at X̲wéech, is a Tlingit artist, illustrator, and weaver from the Raven Moiety and Taakw.aaneidí Clan. With a background in graphic design, Nick specializes in traditional formline and children’s book illustration, driven by a passion for sharing Indigenous stories and perspectives. Now expanding into animation, he aims to bring these stories to new audiences in a dynamic, accessible format.
Growing up in Alaska, Nick developed a profound connection to the land and his Tlingit heritage, which continue to shape his storytelling and visual style. His work often centers on vivid depictions of cultural themes, natural landscapes, and wildlife, reflecting personal narratives while honoring the complexity of Tlingit traditions in a modern context.
Now based in Seattle, Nick uses his art as a means of education, cultural preservation, and raising awareness about Indigenous culture and contemporary issues facing Native communities. He is collaborating with his sister, Kelsey Foote, on a book series focused on Tlingit language revitalization, combining their storytelling, cultural insights, and illustration talents to create engaging resources that connect young readers to their language and heritage. To further support language learning, they are assisting in adapting these illustrated books into short animations, enhancing both entertainment and educational impact.
Through illustration and a vision for animation, Nick aims to bridge cultural traditions, education, humor, and pride within Indigenous communities and beyond. He views humor as a powerful element in the life of every Native person—a source of connection, balance, and healing. Native people have always loved to laugh; humor helps make sense of experiences, even challenging ones, and Nick hopes to bring more of it into his work.
Motivated by a commitment to expanding Indigenous representation in entertainment—especially in animation—Nick believes it’s essential for Indigenous communities to see themselves reflected on screen. In every project, he seeks to foster pride, resilience, and connection, ensuring that Indigenous stories are both celebrated and shared with the world.