The Native Convening

A gathering of Native CDFIs throughout the nation.

2020 Native CDFI Convening

November 9-12, 2020 | ONLINE

2019 Native CDFI Gathering Day | Tuesday, October 22nd

  • 8:30-9:30am

    Opening Prayer & State of the Industry

  • 9:30-10:45am

    Programming Spotlight: Financial Capabilities

  • 11am-12:15pm

    Getting into CDFI Fund Programs

  • 1:00-2:30pm

    NEDTalks (Native Economic Development)

  • 2:30-3:00pm

    Building a Brighter Future

  • 3:00-5:00pm

    Road Map for Advocacy with Native CDFI Network

[embeddoc url=”https://www.oweesta.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Speaker-Bios.pdf” download=”all”]

2019 Native CDFI Track of Sessions

Monday, October 21 – 2:15-3:45pm

Calling all Native CDFIs! Please join Oweesta to learn how to become a HUD Housing Counseling Agency, as well as how you can join Oweesta’s new HUD Housing Counseling Network, which offers funding, training, and TA support to your financial education and homebuyer readiness work. See if this is right for your organization and join the discussion!

Monday, October 21 – 4:15-5:30pm

Quality youth programming is a long-term strategy to grow community engagement and build the borrower pipeline. Join Native CDFIs leaders as we discuss innovative youth programs, hearing from Native CDFIs that are using multi-generational approaches and developing services and products designed to serve youth. Learn about various resources that support youth programs in this interactive session.

Wednesday, October 23 – 9:00-10:30am

Have your clients expressed interest in financing for renewable energy projects? Have you developed agriculture lending products? Join this panel discussion and interactive workshop with experienced Native CDFI lenders that have established specialty underwriting for their unique client needs! Learn the necessary steps to developing these innovative products!

Wednesday, October 23 – 10:45am-12:15pm

Here is a chance for Native CDFIs to connect and review upcoming changes with the CDFI Fund! Join the CDFI Fund staff in a session to discuss the certification process and grant applications for 2020. The CDFI Fund welcomes any questions regarding these changes and look forward to clarifying to process.

2019 Native Awards Ceremony | Monday, October 21st

Across the U.S., Native CDFIs help tribal communities overcome barriers to economic development opportunities and capital access. Led and run by tribal members, the nearly 70 Native CDFIs nationwide provide a broad range of financial services and products that build individual assets and community wealth in Indian country.

In June 2019, OFN, First Nations Oweesta, and Wells Fargo proudly launched the Native CDFI Awards. A three-year program, the Awards honor and support NativeCDFIs creating opportunity and promoting self-sovereignty measures and strategies that advance local efforts for community asset building within their tribal communities.

On Monday, October 21st, OFN, Oweesta, and Wells Fargo will be announced the winners of the Native CDFI Catalyst Award, Native CDFI Seed Capital Award, and the Native CDFI Visionary Leader Award. Congratulations to Four Directions Development Corporation for winning the 2019 Native CDFI Catalyst Award, Lummi CDFI for winning the 2019 Native CDFI Seed Capital Award, and Shane Jett, CEO of Citizen Potawatomi Community Development Corporation for winning the 2019 Native CDFI Visionary Leader Award. We appreciate your dedication and service to the Native CDFI industry!

“The topics were relevant and speakers were well versed.”

“The Native Gathering, Native Awards Ceremony, and Native CDFI track are the reasons that I go to OFN. I like the smaller, more intimate settings of our meetings and workshops. They are more relevant and pertinent to our situation. I learn so much more from our native colleagues.”

“It was nice to network with like organizations and people, we seem to have the same problems and were looking for solutions.”

“Networking seems to be the most critical component during these gatherings. I find it to be the most informative role by having discussions and sharing stories. I appreciated that there was a sufficient amount of time to have these opportunities.”

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Native Convening Attendees in 2019

  • Thank You to Wells Fargo for Providing Scholarships to the 2019 Native Convening!

    • Nakoda~Aaniih Credit Agency- Fort Belknap, Montana
    • Spruce Root, Inc- Juneau, Alaska
    • Northwest Native Development Fund- Coulee Dam, Washington
    • Four Directions Development Corporation- Orono, Maine
    • Tiwa Lending Services, Inc- Isleta, New Mexico
    • Shoshone-Bannock CDFI- Fort Hall, Idaho
    • Leech Lake Financial Services, Inc- Cass Lake, Minnesota
    • Lakota Funds- Kyle, South Dakota
    • Alaska Growth Capital- Anchorage, Alaska
    • Nimiipuu Community Development Fund- Lapwai, Idaho