The Federal Reserve Board in late October 2019 announced four new members of its Community Advisory Council (CAC), one of them being our very own Tawney Brunsch, Executive Director of Lakota Funds. Tawney and the other new members will serve three-year terms beginning in 2020. The CAC is composed […]
Community Partners Combine Forces to Open Doors to Homeownership
In the tail winds of Veteran’s Day, we and two of our community partners – Mazaska Owecaso Otipi Financial and the Lakota Federal Credit Union – are celebrating with Garfield Iron Crow (Oglala Sioux), a Native American veteran, as construction of his new home nears completion. After serving in the […]
Eighth Renter Transitions to Homeowner in Eagle Nest Housing Development
In the midst of an extreme housing shortage, it is estimated that the Pine Ridge Reservation needs an additional 4,000 homes to provide adequate housing for residents. With a virtually nonexistent residential real estate market, families are commonly on the waiting list for low-income tribal housing for two-plus years. In […]
Lakota Funds and First National Bank of Rapid City Partner for $15,000 Strong Communities Award
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB Des Moines) announced that First National Bank of Rapid City has been selected as one of seven competing for $15,000 to use to further promote economic development opportunities in their community. First National Bank, a FHLB Des Moines member financial institution, […]
Prefabricated Home Sales Office Now Open in Kyle
While thousands of homes are needed to fully meet the housing needs of Pine Ridge Reservation residents, Tess Puckett’s new business, Lakota Cabins, will be in high demand. Lakota Cabins sells custom-built, prefabricated, energy-efficient homes at a reasonable price point. Puckett hopes her new business will help the community by […]
Lakota Funds Participates in Listening Session with Minneapolis Fed President
During his trip to Pierre, South Dakota, Minneapolis Federal Reserve President, Neel Kashkari, hosted a lunch listening session with about 15 tribal leaders from around the state. Among them were Lakota Funds Executive Director, Tawney Brunsch, and Board Chairperson, Elsie Meeks. The participants shared their accomplishments in the areas of […]
Native American Business Programs Showcased on SDPB
South Dakota Focus took a closer look a the success stories of Native American Business owners. Watch this segment to hear from owners to loan officers and how they are creating economic development and thriving. Guests include: Cecily Engelhart from Thunder Valley CDC, Cheryl Bartlett of Harvest Winds LLC, Tony […]
Family Celebrates Homeownership this Holiday Season
This holiday season, Cynthia Plenty Bull and her daughter will be celebrating in the same house they have lived in for the past six years. But this year, they will call the home their own. Cynthia is the first tenant in the 30-unit Eagle Nest Housing Development, originally built in […]
An Oglala Sioux Veteran’s Journey to Homeownership
In our role with the South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition, Lakota Funds is actively working to create homeownership opportunities for Native Americans throughout the state, and specifically for Native American veterans. One of our first successes in this initiative was partnering with Mazaska Owecaso Otipi Financial to support George O’Rourke, […]
Homeownership: A Path to Freedom and Stability
After nearly a five year journey, January Mathis, a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, will soon be moving into a home she can call her own. January’s home is currently one of seven under construction in Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation’s regenerative community just outside of Porcupine, South Dakota, […]