Two Native community development financial institutions (CDFIs) were honored yesterday for their commitment to community development and asset building in Native communities at the 2009 Native Awards Ceremony, part of the 6th Annual Native CDFI Convening hosted by Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) and First Nations Oweesta Corporation (Oweesta).

The Circle of Honor Award recognizes a Native CDFI that strives to increase capital and access to financial resources in Native communities by developing innovative loan products, technical assistance services, and overcoming challenges. This year's winner of the Circle of Honor Award was Cook Inlet Lending Center (CILC), a housing CDFI located in Anchorage, Alaska. CILC's mission is to promote community and economic development throughout south central Alaska by the provision of lending services and products; and increased access to credit markets, particularly for low and moderate income families, individuals, and minorities. Its primary services include second mortgages, down payment assistance and financial counseling. CILC serves all residents of the Cook Inlet Region, but 80% of their clients are Alaska Natives or Native Americans.

Selected from a highly competitive group of Native CDFI nominees, CILC received the Circle of Honor award for demonstrating strong financial performance, developing strong partnerships, maintaining a diversification of funding sources, and significantly impacting their market. CILC is led by Carol Gore. Cindy Mittlestadt, Senior Manager, accepted the award on behalf of the organization.

The Visionary Leader Award recognizes a person who embodies a long-term contribution to the Native CDFI industry, and whose local asset building efforts make them an inspiration for others as the Native CDFI industry grows and matures. Citizen Potawatomi Community Development Corporation (CPCDC)'s Executive Director Kristi Coker was selected to receive the Visionary Leader Award for Outstanding Achievement. She is the founding director of CPCDC which declares itself as the most active Native CDFI business in the nation. Kristi is a highly visible leader in the Native CDFI industry, and has helped transition CPCDC from a local Native CDFI to an institution that competes in the mainstream CDFI industry. What distinguishes Ms. Coker as a leader is not just her ability to lead her organization, but also her willingness to provide her time and expertise as a mentor and to share her organizational information to assist other Native and non-Native CDFIs. As a Native CDFI visionary leader she has demonstrated a strong commitment to the Native CDFI industry. CPCDC is a Native CDFI located in Shawnee, Oklahoma that offers training, technical assistance, loans and financial education and is a former Circle of Honor awardee.

"Cook Inlet Lending Center and Kristi Coker are two examples of perseverance, determination, and success in the Native CDFI industry," said Tracey Fischer, President and CEO of Oweesta. "They serve as inspiration to their peers as many other Native organizations across the country are following in their path to empower their communities and develop self-sufficient thriving economies."

"Native CDFIs are doing remarkable work under incredibly challenging circumstances. Cook Inlet Lending Center and Kristi Coker represent the best of the best in these challenging times," said Opportunity Finance Network President and CEO Mark Pinsky. "Lending and development opportunities in Indian Country are still limited and we applaud the vital work of Native CDFIs in offering access to capital."

The awards ceremony capped off the pre-conference Native Gathering, an opening event to the week-long 25th Annual OFN Conference where Native economic development practitioners and tribal representatives from across the country joined hundreds of other opportunity finance experts to share and learn about new ideas, strategies for change, and innovations from the field.

For more information on the awardees, please visit their websites at www.cookinlethousing.org and www.potawatomi.org.

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Opportunity Finance Network is the leading network of private financial intermediaries that delivers both sound returns and real opportunities for low-wealth people and communities in the U.S. Opportunity Finance Network Members originated more than $12.5 billion in financing in non-conforming urban, rural, and native communities through 2006. This generated or maintained 175,710 jobs; 39,583 businesses; 533,394 housing units; and 5,858 community facility projects. More information is available at www.opportunityfinance.net.

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