Thank You!

The AMERIND | NAIHC 2023 Annual Convention & Tradeshow in Waikoloa, Hawaii last month was the largest and most successful annual event so far, and that is THANKS to all attendees, speakers and presenters, exhibitors, sponsors, and planning partners. The week in paradise included a Community Engagement Activity, Golf Tournament, Healthy Walk, nearly 100 breakout sessions, and two plenary sessions that honored Native Hawaiian ‘ohana and housing leaders.

Both AMERIND and NAIHC offered nearly 100 breakout sessions in 11 blocks over three days. AMERIND sessions were presented by AMERIND staff on topics including workplace safety, claims process, and workers compensation. Check their website for presentations and more information. NAIHC sessions were presented by subject matter experts across many tribal housing topics from Low Income Housing Tax Credits to housing for survivors of gender-based violence to services for unsheltered relatives. For questions about sessions or presentations, email Ryan Edwards at [email protected]. Click on the presentation titles below to access the presentations.

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Block 3 Presentations

• A Holistic Approach to Planning… Maximizing Federal Resources
• Building Partnerships Among Tribal Domestic Violence Advocates and Tribal Housing Authorities
• Implementing HEARTH: Is My Tribe Ready?
• Removing Barriers to Affordable Housing for Returning Citizens
• Shifting Mindsets: Taking Clients from Rental to Homeownership
• The Economics of Opioids
• Pros and Cons of the NAHASDA IHBG Formula

Block 4 Presentations

• Enhancing and Implementing Homeownership in Native Communities
• Implementing Human Rights and Indigenous Responsibilities Frameworks for GBV Survivors
• Innovative Collaborations: Leveraging Partnerships to Expand Mortgage Lending Options
• Innovative Strategies for Addressing Drug Related Lease Violations
• USDA Rural Development Business and Infrastructure Programs

Block 5 Presentations

• Health and Housing Inspections
• Management and Operations: Keys to Building a Successful Team
• Navigating the Procurement Process and Construction Management ABCs
• Nuts and Bolts of Tribal HUD VASH
• Team Building for Housing Directors
• USDA Rural Development Section 502 Programs: A Deeper Dive
• VAWA: Increasing Housing Protections for Survivors of Gender-based Violence

Block 6 Presentations

• Building Strong Digital Educators and Navigators in Indian Country
• WC Compensability: Why is a Claim Covered or Not Covered?

Thank you to all Community Engagement Activity Participants! 

Nearly 30 conference attendees participated in the Community Engagement Activity at Kaloko Honokōhau National Historic Park where they cleaned up the Kaloko fishpond banks by removing mud and pulling invasive weeds. Before everyone got dirty, Park Rangers and coastal Native Hawaiian families and caretakers welcomed the group with traditional protocol and invited participants to give an offering to the sacred fishpond. Participants also learned learn about Native Hawaiian historical and cultural significance of the Kaloko fishpond and how the Park maintains its traditional aquaculture. Thank you to all participants, volunteers, Park Rangers, and coastal families.

Great Job Healthy Walkers!

AMERIND and NAIHC partnered with the Hawaii Park Service to offer a morning Healthy Walk along the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail on May 9, 2023. A group of knowledgeable Park Rangers led over 60 conference attendees and guests on an ancient trail that covered lava fields where walkers could see petroglyphs and holes inside the ground that once served as shelters for Native Hawaiian traveling from the mountains to the ocean. Rangers offered protocol and some participants made an offering at an alter along the trail. Thank you to all who took the morning Healthy Walk. We hope you enjoyed. It.

Golf Tournament Winners

Congratulations to all NAIHC Golf Tournament winners! Thank you for supporting NAIHC.

First Place Team: Felix McGowan, Patrick Deutz, Juel Burnette, Eric Sheppard

Second Place Team: Wilbur Red Tomahawk, Doug Chapiewsky, Tiger Gouge, Chris Rush

Longest Drive: Pilar Thomas and Michael Reyes

Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Awards

Who is Virginia Kizer?
Virginia Kizer, a member of the Washoe Tribe, was the Executive Director of the Washoe Housing Authority in Nevada and strong Indian housing advocate. She had over a quarter-century of experience when she passed away in 2002. From 1988 to 1998, Virginia served on the NAIHC Board of Directors and is remembered as a positive individual who overcame significant obstacles.

Who is George Nolan?
George Nolan, a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Band of Chippewa, is remembered for his admiringly spiritual energy in bringing groups together and making a case for Indian housing. He served as the NAIHC Chairman from 1988 to 1992. As Chairman of the Sault Ste. Marie Housing Authority, George left a legacy of enthusiasm and tenderness that still inspires those who knew him. He passed away in 2004.

Last year’s award winners: