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Agenda

The Native CDFI Network, in partnership with NeighborWorks America, is hosting a Western Regional Event in San Joaquin Valley, California!

The Native CDFI Network, in collaboration with NeighborWorks America, is thrilled to announce the upcoming Native Partnerships Gathering at the Tachi Palace Resort in San Joaquin Valley, CA, from February 25-27, 2025. We invite you to join us for an impactful event focused on “Leveraging Resources to Advance Homeownership and Economic Development” in Native communities.

This gathering aims to bring together a powerful network of tribes, Native CDFIs, nonprofit organizations, NeighborWorks Network organizations, and other key intermediaries. Together, we will:

  • Strengthen partnerships between tribal and non-tribal organizations to drive meaningful progress.
  • Highlight successful models of Native CDFI initiatives and their impact on economic development.
  • Share best practices in tribal partnerships to inspire and empower future collaborations.
  • Explore actionable solutions to expand homeownership opportunities for Native communities.

We look forward to seeing you there as we work together to build stronger, more resilient Native communities!

Lodging & Transportation

A room block is available at the Tachi Palace Casino Resort. To book your stay, call ‭(559) 924-7751‬ and use the event name “Native Partnership Gathering”. A discount under this room block is available until February 14, 2025.

The nearest airport to the resort is the Fresno Yosemite International Airport which is about a 45 minute drive to the hotel. It is recommended that you book your rental vehicle in advance.

Thank You, Supporters!

If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please reach out to Shauntel Hogan, NCN Communications Director, at [email protected].

Preliminary Agenda

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

Welcome and Community Tour

9:00 am

Registration Check-In

Tachi Palace Casino Resort Lobby

9:30 am

Shuttles Depart from Tachi Palace Resort

11:00 am

Welcome & Grounding

Eagle Mountain Events Center, 1850 West St, Porterville, CA

12:00 pm

Lunch Plenary

1:30 pm

Tour of the Tule River Tribe Housing Projects

Explore how the Tule River Tribe is fostering self-sufficiency through economic independence and climate resiliency. Learn about integrated planning efforts that align workforce development, housing, and community growth, and experience the Tribe’s dedication to cultural preservation.

6:15 pm

Shuttle Arrives back at Tachi Palace Resort

8:00 am

Registration Check-In & Breakfast Opens

9:00 am

Welcome, Grounding & Connecting

Pete Upton (Ponca Tribe of Nebraska) | CEO | Native CDFI Network

Mel Willie (Navajo) | Senior Director of Native American Partnerships & Strategy | NeighborWorks America

10:00 am

Introductions & Tour Reflections

Seven Sisters Community Development Group, LLC

10:30 am

Break

10:45 am

California Tribal History

11:15 am

Native CDFI Creation Story

12:00 pm

Lunch with Plenary Speaker

Tim Rios | Senior Vice President | Rural Strategy Leader | Social Impact & Sustainability | Wells Fargo

1:00 pm

The Dynamic Role of Native CDFIs

2:15 pm

Break

2:30 pm

Partnership Building to Advance Homeownership, Community Development and Entrepreneurship

3:30 pm

Wrap-Up

4:00 pm

Adjourn

5:00-7:00 pm

Networking Reception

Tachi Palace Casino Resort – Wet Bar Lounge

8:00 am

Registration Check-In & Breakfast Opens

9:00 am

Welcome & Reflections

Seven Sisters Community Development Group, LLC

9:30 am

Climate Lending

Kristen Wagner | National Program Director | Native CDFI Network

10:30 am

Statewide Homeownership Coalitions

11:30 am

Reflections & Take-aways

12:00 pm

Lunch

12:30 pm

Building the Foundation: Training Opportunities for Creating and Developing Native CDFIs

1:00 pm

Adjourn