Values-Based
Our Native CDFI is culturally rooted based on indigenous values and principles created by the first peoples of the Pacific Northwest. Theses intersection of values honors Native Americans and their surrounding communities with the understanding of spiritual, family, and sharing of our gifts concept among Pacific Northwest tribal peoples.
Five Core Values
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Positive Approach and Welcoming Environment.
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Honor Our Tradition and All Its Gifts.
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Honoring Diversity.
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Resilience and Adaptability.
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Accountable and Responsible.
Thriving Into the Future
Lummi Community Development Financial Institution (LCDFI) offers a trusted, safe place for tribal members who are considering entrepreneurship, building a business and/or strengthening their credit by providing access to education, financing, and asset growth, in order to improve the prosperity and well-being of Native American families.
LCDFI is able to offer these opportunities, based on Native Community values, and from community members who understand from the inside – out. This community-based perspective informs all actions and decisions of LCDFI and establishes a cooperative working atmosphere with all who partner and/or engage.
Who is Lummi CDFI today?
Since inception in 2006, LCDFI's vision set out to create "a vibrant, resilient economy supporting
our community’s spiritual and economic
wellbeing."
Our non-profit Native CDFI has focused on
serving the tribal small business and
entrepreneurs beginning within
Lummi Nation and extending into
the region. LCDFI was established because
there was a need recognized in the
community for access to capital for tribal small business, and for Native individuals and families
to establish and build credit and
financial wellness based on traditional,
cultural and community values.
Lummi CDFI has the following credentials:
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Chartered as a Non-profit corporation under Washington State in May 2006
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Certified as a Native CDFI in 2008 and a Community Development Entity (CDE) in 2016 by the US Department of Treasury
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Designated a Non-profit 501 (c)(3) corporation in January 2012
SUCCESS STORIES
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With the CDFI loan, I was able to increase my inventory and purchase a van to help me carry the gifts and flowers...I was able to travel to sell my products at different reservation gatherings. Thank you Lummi CDFI...
Jean Cultee, Jean's Gift Shop and Lummi Member
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I would like to attribute my success to my strong faith in God. The doors of opportunity have opened. After a years worth of careful business planning, praying, and utilizing the resources available to me..., I am proud to have the opportunity to own my own business and provide for my family...
Roy Finkbonner, Roy Finkbonner Trucking and Lummi Member
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I have utilized the Lummi CDFI...to purchase my commercial fishing boat. My intention was to use th boat for commercial crabbing. As it turned out, I was able to use it for commercial halibut, praws, and salmon. With the help of the CDFI program, I was able to enter the tribal commercial fisheries and gain valuable experiences.
Tim Ballew II, Commercial Fisheries and Tribal Member
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Cideahzia Barnes, owner of The Sanctuary Salon has taken her passions and skills as an esthetician into having three spaces in the Lummi Te’Ti’Sen Center’s Native small business incubator. She has grown, small step by small step, to where she is able to provide for her family – on her own terms. She is a great example of tenacity.
From our 2015 Economic Summit
