The Native CDFI Network (NCN), in partnership with the Wisconsin Indigenous Housing & Economic Development Corporation (WIHEDC), is pleased to invite you to our Midwest Regional Gathering on August 7–8, 2025 at the Oneida Casino Hotel in Green Bay, Wisconsin

This two-day event will bring together Native CDFIs, Tribal housing organizations, and economic development practitioners from across the region. Together, we will explore strategies to strengthen housing opportunities, support homeownership, advance community development, and expand access to clean energy finance. Participants will engage in dialogue around regional needs, share emerging practices, and identify solutions to move Native-led development forward.

We are excited to create space for meaningful connections, collaborative learning, and regionally focused policy discussions that support the economic sovereignty of Native communities.

Bonus Networking Opportunity!

During registration, attendees will have the chance to enter a special drawing for one skybox ticket to the 7:00 p.m. Green Bay Packers vs. New York Jets game on August 9, 2025. This exclusive experience is generously sponsored by BMO Harris Bank. Don’t miss your chance to connect—and possibly cheer on the Packers in style!

Lodging

A room block is available at the Oneida Casino Hotel (2040 Airport Dr, Green Bay, WI 54313). To book your stay, call 800-238-4263 or the hotel direct at 920-494-7300, and ask for a room in the ‘Native Partnership Gathering’ room block.

To book online, click here using the following information:

Group ID: 1782
Password: 16797121

A discount under this room block is available until July 16, 2025.

WHEN & WHERE

August 7-8, 2025

Oneida Casino Hotel
2040 Airport Dr, Green Bay, WI 54313

Register Now

VENDOR EXPO

Discover and support Native-owned businesses. Explore local entrepreneurs making an impact in their communities.

Exhibitors list Coming Soon

BECOME A SPONSOR

Browse sponsorship levels, select a package, and register your team for the event.

VIEW SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES

Thank You, Supporters!

If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please reach out to Stephanie Prater, NCN Senior Financial Manager, at [email protected].

PRELIMINARY AGENDA

This agenda is subject to change and will be updated periodically. Check back for the latest updates.

7:30 am

Registration Check-In & Breakfast Buffet

Oneida Casino Hotel

8:00 am

Welcome Drum/Opening Blessing

8:10 am

Community Welcome

Tehassi Hill | Chairman | Oneida Nation

8:40 am

Welcome & Opening Remarks

Pete Upton | CEO | Native CDFI Network Fern Orie | Executive Director | WIHEDC

9:00 am

Community Tour

Bay Bank
Turtle Island Gifts
White Buffalo Trucking Company

11:30 am

Return to Oneida Hotel

11:45 am

Tour Highlights and Observations

12:00 pm

Lunch (Provided)

1:00 pm

Policy in Motion: NCN Policy Strategies in a Shifting Landscape

Pete Upton | CEO | Native CDFI Network

1:30 pm

Building Futures: A WIHEDC Update on Housing and Economic Progress

Fern Orie | Executive Director | WIHEDC

2:00 pm

3, 2, 1, Launch: Meet the Newest Native Housing Coalition!

Wisconsin Indigenous Housing & Economic Development Corporation

2:45 pm

Break

3:00 pm

Lightning Talks

5-minute presentations from NCDFI leaders (WIHEDC members + others) highlighting a specific loan product or innovative service they offer followed by Q & A

4:00 pm

Closing – Day 1

5:00 pm

Networking Reception

6:00 pm

Dinner

Keynote Speaker: Jeff Bowman | President & CEO | Bay Bank

7:00 am

Breakfast

8:00 am

Welcome & Day 1 Recap

8:15 am

Resource Showcase: Credit Ready: Leveraging FICO Data for Stronger Lending Decisions

Terryl Mueller | Scores Client Services-Consultant | FICO

8:45 am

Resource Showcase: Opening Doors: Native CDFIs and the Federal Home Loan Bank System

FHLB – Chicago

9:15 am

Resource Showcase: Fannie Mae – Building Homeownership Pathways in Indian Country

Ben Navarro | Advisor – Affordable Housing Strategies for Rural and Native American Markets | Fannie Mae

10:00 am

Resource Showcase – Partnering for Prosperity: BMO Harris Programs in Action

Ronald Milsap | Director – U.S. Zero Barriers to Business | BMO Harris

10:30 am

Break

10:45 am

Strategic Partnerships in Action: How WEDC’s Investment Catalyzed WIHEDC’s Growth and Impact

Pamela Boivin | Chairwoman | WEDC & Program Manager | NCN
Dr. Eugene Manzanet | Senior Director of Diverse Business Development |WEDC

11:15 am

Legacy of Power: The History and Promise of Native Sovereignty

11:45 am

Lunch (Provided)

1:00 pm

Align, Learn, Invest: Funders and Native CDFIs Charting the Path Forward

1:30 pm

Funder + CDFI Exchange

2:15 pm

Closing

7:00 pm

Attend Packers Game at Lambeau Field

Available for Selected Winners