US Treasurer Chief Mutáwi Mutáhash (Many Hearts) Marilynn “Lynn” Malerba and Treasury's CDFI Fund Director, Jodie Harris, visit Lummi CDFI and Lummi Nation
On Tuesday, March 28, 2023, Lummi CDFI was pleased to host, along with Lummi Indian Business Council (LIBC), a site visit with US Treasurer Chief Mutáwi Mutáhash (Many Hearts) Marilynn “Lynn” Malerba who is also the 18th Chief of the Mohegan Tribe and Treasury's CDFI Fund Director, Jodie Harris.
Chief Malerba and Director Harris met with Lummi CDFI and LIBC leadership to learn about the investments being made in support of Lummi small businesses. They also learned from Native entrepreneurs and toured Gooseberry Point, Salish Village, Te'Ti'Sen Center and Squalicum Harbor.
Support provided by Treasury and the CDFI Fund was gratefully acknowledged. These resources have helped establish many opportunities for Lummi enterprises and Native small businesses. Lummi CDFI and LIBC also advocated for continued dialog to better understand the needs and challenges faced in accessing capital that can make a difference in increasing the well-being of Native American families.
2023 Native CDFI Network "Difference Makers" - Lummi CDFI
https://nativecdfi.net/blog/2023/03/02/interview-37-nancy-jordan-lummi-cdfi/
The Native CDFI Network (NCN) developed the “Native CDFIs: Difference Makers for Indian Country” interview series to cast a much-needed spotlight on the many positive benefits that Native Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) create for tribal communities and the leaders who help make Native CDFIs the transformational success stories they are.
In this latest edition of “Difference Makers,” NCN sits down with Nancy Jordan, who serves as Interim Executive Director of Lummi CDFI (LCDFI), a certified Native CDFI based in Bellingham, Washington. Launched as a state chartered non-profit entity fiscally sponsored by Lummi Indian Business Council (LIBC) in 2006, LCDFI was certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury as a CDFI in 2008 and Community Development Entity in 2017. LCDFI was established to address the local community’s significant needs for access to capital for Native-owned small businesses, and for Native individuals and families to establish and build credit and financial wellness based on traditional, cultural, and community values. LCDFI obtained IRS designation as a 501c3 non-profit in 2012 and officially separated from the tribe as a stand-alone entity in 2017.