Inokesquetee saki (YELLOWBIRD) workforce development & fellowship program for the indigenous finance industry - objectives: within the next three years, 5,000 native students will become aware of…

On September 30, 2025, the Administration for Native Americans (ANA) awarded a $900,000 Project Grant under the Native American Programs Assistance Listing (CFDA 93.612) to Nacdc Financial Services, Inc., a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) based in Browning, Montana. Over the three-year performance period (through September 29, 2028), the awardee will implement the Inokesquetee Saki (Yellowbird) Workforce Development & Fellowship Program to build a pipeline of Native professionals in the indigenous finance sector. Key deliverables include a regional recruitment strategy designed to engage 5,000 Native students in career awareness activities, a sustainable Native CDFI lending certificate program targeting 75% employment placement by end of 2028, and professional development and employment networks connecting trained professionals to positions within Native financial institutions.

The program will also establish cross-sector partnerships with mental health providers, social service organizations, and financial institutions to develop and pilot financial management services for community members, with a target of improving financial well-being and stability for 100 individuals within 36 months. By establishing and maintaining strong financial systems within Native communities, this initiative directly supports the Native American Programs goal of promoting economic and social self-sufficiency. The project addresses documented gaps in access to capital and financial services in Native communities while building local economic capacity.

Inokesquetee saki (YELLOWBIRD) workforce development & fellowship program for the indigenous finance industry - objectives: within the next three years, 5,000 native students will become aware of the indigenous finance industry as a viable career path through the design and implementation of a regional recruitment strategy. Implement a sustainable native cdfi lending certificate program, so that by the end of 2028, 75% of program participants will find employment and increase their annual income. To establish and leverage cross-sector partnerships with mental health, social service, and financial institutions to develop and pilot financial management services within the next 36 months, aiming to improve the financial well-being and stability of individuals. Summary: nacdc financial services will implement the inokesquetee saki (YELLOWBIRD) workforce development & fellowship program to strengthen the indigenous finance industry. The project will create pathways for native professionals through comprehensive training, employment networks, and professional development opportunities. The program aims to establish a pipeline of 30 skilled professionals who can build and maintain strong financial systems within native communities. Through a sustainable lending certificate program, the project will prepare participants for careers in native community development financial institutions (CDFIS), enabling them to support local economic growth. The initiative includes developing partnerships with financial institutions and service providers to enhance financial literacy and management skills. The program addresses the need for increased access to capital and financial services in native communities, with goals of boosting business growth, creating jobs, and building economic stability. Success metrics include engaging 5,000 students in career awareness, achieving 75% employment placement for program participants, and improving financial capabilities for 100 community members through enhanced services.