Tribal Business News summarizes Native CDFI Network’s three day annual summit that took place in early December, 2022. Keynote speakers such as Treasurer of the United States, Chief Mutáwi Mutáhash (Many Hearts) Marilynn “Lynn” Malerba, Onna Labeau (Omaha Tribe of Nebraska), director of the Interior Department’s Office of Indian Economic Development, Senator Tina Smith (D-MN), a member of the Senate’s Indian Affairs and Banking committees, U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS), a Ho-Chunk citizen and co-chair of the bipartisan Native American Congressional Caucus, and Jodie Harris, the director of the Treasury’s CDFI Fund, were part of the packed agenda of other inspiring and influential leaders who champion the Native CDFI industry and advocate for expanded access to capital for Native peoples. Summit topics ranged from current policy and funding opportunities in green energy, rural development, and homeownership to partnership development ideas and innovative Native CDFI programs.
Read Full ArticleHere’s What Our Attendees are saying …
“The NCN Annual Policy and Capacity Building Summit is a can’t miss event for Native CDFIs. Each session was packed with spot-on topics, expert presenters, policy makers and information I found invaluable. This event is critical for Native CDFIs and those who do business with them. The NCN Summit was an amazing three days!”
Rjay Brunkow
Chief Executive Officer, Indian Land Capital Company
“The NCN Policy and Capacity Building Summit was an awe-inspiring event. With the array of speakers that spoke to the most pressing issues of the NCDFI industry and demonstrated a real ear for the issues and concerns we collectively are facing. The momentum that has been gained by NCN in leading change is seen and felt. Seize the day, NCDFIs!”
Cindy Logsdon
CEO/ Director, Citizen Potawatomi Community Development Corporation
“NCN’s 2022 Annual Policy and Capacity Building Summit was, in a word, inspiring. For sure, the titles of the national policy speakers and practitioner panelists were impressive. But, even more importantly, the content of most all of the presentations and discussions proved to be rich with powerful content that was both motivating and actionable. I feel honored to have listened and shared experiences at this unique gathering in the U.S. Capitol. It is a humbling privilege for me and Clearinghouse CDFI to work with so many remarkable individuals and policy makers dedicated to building on the unique strengths of Native CDFIs and their fair, just and important impact on the financial, educational, health, environmental and cultural well‑being of our communities and our country.”
Andy Gordon
Executive Advisor, Clearinghouse CDFI
“The 2022 Annual Policy & Capacity Building Summit was in a word, extraordinary. Native CDFIs across the country, in every region of Indian Country, engaged directly with high level federal and private sector officials. There is nothing more impactful in policy making and policy advocacy, in building new and improved futures for our communities, than direct engagement. NCN is vital in this space!”
Robin Puanani Danner
SCHHA Chairwoman
“The 2022 NCN Annual Policy and Capacity Building Summit was an enormous success. NCN continues to gain substantial traction within numerous governmental, financial, and philanthropic organizations with the direction aimed to assist the Native CDFI industry. It is very exciting to see what has transpired over the past year but more importantly, what lies ahead in FY2023. NCN’s leadership has created a brand and has positioned the organization for visibility allowing the Native CDFI industry’s voice to be heard.”
Sean Winters
Executive Director, Chi Ishobak, Inc.
“The Native CDFI Network always does a great job of highlighting topics most important and relevant to Native CDFIs, and the Policy and Capacity Building Summit was no exception. The Summit’s speakers were a great mix of industry advocates, experts, and government officials. This is the best event I have been to for meaningful consultation with government officials in a targeted setting to address priorities of Native CDFIs.”
Joel Smith
SVP – Chief Credit Officer, Native American Bank
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