An Yaá is an old name derived from the Raven House of Angoon, Alaska.

Brian is Tlingit from Tlingit Aani. He is of the Raven moiety and Deisheetaan clan, whose crest is the Beaver. He comes from the Raven House in Angoon but was born and raised in Juneau, Alaska. Brian's Tlingit name "An Yaá" translates to "Face of the Village."

For the past 20 years, Brian has been woodcarving. Brian's brothers, Gene Chilton and Doug Chilton, taught him the basics and techniques. He also learned through the Indian Studies program in Juneau schools.

Brian has developed a unique style of his own. His artwork includes three-dimensional totems, large paddles, small paddles, dance paddles, masks, 2 1/2 dimensional totems, plaques of all sizes and silver carvings, including bracelets, pendants and earrings.