First Native CDFI Awards

Congratulations! On Tuesday, October 31, Oweesta and Opportunity Finance Network awarded the first-ever Native CDFI Awards to:

• Citizen Potawatomi Community Development Corporation in Shawnee, OK, received the "Circle of Honor" Award for Outstanding Leadership, and
• Susan Hammond, founding director of Four Directions Development Corporation of Orono, ME, received the "Visionary Leader" Award for Outstanding Achievement.

Oweesta Executive Director Elsie Meeks said at the ceremony that, "For many Native people and tribes, the idea of private assets and ownership is often viewed as diametrically opposed to their cultural ways and traditions. Therefore, we wanted to honor the efforts of those who are committed to making Native CDFIs a force for change in their communities."

It is an honor to be part of the rapidly expanding Native CDFI movement.

Congratulations to the awardees.