Latest news with #Oweesta
Forbes
07-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Why Native Communities Are The Future Of Impact Investing
In the search for the next frontier of innovation and opportunity, impact investors are increasingly looking toward Indian Country — a dynamic and under-invested market poised for transformative growth. From clean energy and regenerative agriculture to digital infrastructure and housing, Native communities are leading the way with bold, visionary projects that not only serve their people but offer scalable solutions for a changing world. At Oweesta Corporation, we've seen firsthand how Native CDFIs (Community Development Financial Institutions) are unlocking potential in tribal communities by supporting entrepreneurs, building housing, and advancing sustainable infrastructure. These are not charity-driven efforts; they are strategic investments delivering measurable returns — both financially and socially. Chrystel Cornelius speaking during 2023 Capital Access Convening in Juneau, AK. Oweesta Indian Country: A Growing Market of Opportunity Tribal nations are sovereign governments with growing economic engines. Today, Indian Country spans 574 federally recognized tribes across 35 states, generating over $130 billion in annual economic activity. And that figure doesn't even capture the full landscape of Indigenous economies — which includes state-recognized tribes, Native Hawaiian communities, and many others exercising self-determination and working toward federal acknowledgment. Yet, despite this strength, Native communities remain among the most undercapitalized populations in the U.S. Less than 0.4% of philanthropic funding and an even smaller fraction of investment dollars reach Native-led initiatives. That dynamic is beginning to shift. New investment models — rooted in Native leadership, sovereignty, and community-driven priorities — are reshaping what it means to invest in Indigenous economies. Through partnerships with values-aligned investors like Tamalpais Trust and philanthropic funders like the Northwest Area Foundation, Native communities are building energy sovereignty, supporting Native farmers and ranchers, expanding broadband access, and creating culturally grounded financial education programs. As Nikki Foster from the Northwest Area Foundation notes: 'Native CDFIs have a proven and successful model for building opportunity in Indian Country. Because they understand the unique assets and the traditional values of Native communities, they can provide pathways for entrepreneurs in ways that grow businesses and employment, even in places without a main street or a bank. And, they have the numbers to back this up. This approach builds healthy tribal and regional economies for the benefit of all.' 'Indian Country is rich with innovation, resilience, and opportunity. For too long, we've lacked access to capital — but that's changing,' says Chrystel Cornelius, President and CEO of Oweesta Corporation. Indigenous Innovation for a Sustainable Future The economic growth emerging from Indian Country is deeply tied to cultural preservation and environmental stewardship. Native entrepreneurs are leading solar and wind projects that restore ancestral lands, launching technology ventures that connect rural communities, and expanding food systems that prioritize health and sustainability. In fact, many of the industries that define the future — clean energy, regenerative agriculture, and climate resilience—are rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems. That makes Indian Country not just a market to watch, but a wellspring of leadership and innovation the world urgently needs. 'When you invest in Native communities, you're investing in time-tested, sustainable approaches that have served our people — and this planet — for generations,' adds Cornelius. A Better Return: Long-Term Prosperity for All Investing in Native communities creates ripple effects far beyond tribal lands. According to Oweesta's recent impact analysis, every dollar invested in Native CDFIs generates over $2.38 million in local economic impact — fueling job creation, supporting small businesses, increasing homeownership, and building generational wealth. In addition to social outcomes, investments in Native financial institutions show strong financial performance: low default rates, high portfolio recovery rates, and competitive internal rates of return (IRR) for patient capital vehicles. 'Native CDFIs are more than lenders — we are weavers of prosperity, resilience, and self-determination,' says Cornelius. Chyrstel Cornelius, CEO of Oweesta and Ronald Milsap, Director, U.S. Zero Barriers to Business with BMO during the awards ceremony at Oweesta's 2024 Capital Access Convening in Santa Ana Pueblo, NM. BMO was a sponsor for Oweesta's Capital Access Convening. Sam Levitan Photography From Philanthropy to Partnership Funders and investors are moving away from traditional charity models toward partnership-based approaches — ones that trust Native organizations to lead. This shift includes providing unrestricted funding, investments paired with equity, patient capital, and long-term commitments grounded in relationship, accountability, and respect for sovereignty. At Oweesta, we work alongside partners who understand that economic justice for Native people is not a peripheral issue — it's central to building a stronger, more inclusive economy. We have seen firsthand the transformational power of capital aligned with culture, vision, and community priorities. As Shannon Ward, Chief Lending Officer at Oweesta, affirms, 'At Oweesta, we see firsthand how investments in Native CDFIs transform lives, create sustainable growth, and build generational wealth. We are not just funding projects, we are empowering communities to thrive and lead the way toward a more inclusive and sustainable future.' The Time is Now Indian Country is no longer a hidden market — it's a hot market. With the right investments, tribal nations are poised to lead in shaping a just, sustainable future for all. For investors seeking real impact, resilience, and meaningful growth, the opportunity is clear: Partner with Native communities. Fund Native-led solutions. Build the future we all deserve. This is a content marketing post from a Forbes EQ participant. Forbes brand contributors' opinions are their own.
Forbes
07-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Closing The Financial Access Gap: Empowering Native Women, Transforming Economies
In Native communities across the United States, we have always known: when you invest in women, you invest in whole nations. Women are the backbone of our communities, the culture-bearers, the caretakers, the changemakers. Yet, in an economy built on exclusion, Native women — like so many women globally — continue to face steep barriers to financial access and economic freedom. Oweesta team members Monique Behrens, Florence Ludka, Sayre Savage and Drea Domebo manning the booth at the 2024 OFN conference in Los Angeles. CA. Sam Levitan Photography To explore how closing the financial access gap can transform entire communities, we spoke with Native women leaders working at the frontlines of economic empowerment. In their own words, they share their vision for changing narratives, the clients who inspire them, and the women who shaped their leadership journeys. 'For far too long, Native women have been denied access to the financial systems that shape our lives and our futures,' says Chrystel Cornelius, President and CEO of Oweesta Corporation. 'But we are changing that—through Indigenous leadership, culturally grounded finance, and unwavering commitment to self-determination. We are rewriting the narrative of what is possible.' Rewriting the Narrative At Oweesta Corporation, a Native CDFI intermediary predominantly led by Indigenous women, we're not just advocating for change — we're building it from the ground up. Our work centers on expanding access to capital, education, and opportunity so Native people can thrive on their own terms, in their own communities. Across Indian Country, Native women leaders are stepping into their power and transforming economies. One of those leaders is Skya Ducheneaux, Executive Director of Akiptan, an Indigenous-led CDFI that finances Native agriculture. For too long, the public narrative about Native communities has focused solely on struggle. Skya calls for a shift — one that centers Native excellence, innovation, and strength. 'One thing that I hate is focusing on the negatives only. Our communities have SO much to offer beyond the rough edges. We have culture, we have family, we have hope, we have a depth of history, we are resilient, we are powerful, and we are so much more than a dilapidated house or a broken-down car or whatever else is going to get shown in those situations.' The Power of Trust and Relationship This spirit of strength, despite historical and systemic disinvestment, is the heartbeat of Native women's leadership. Skya reflects on the early days of her organization's work, when trust was the foundation of their success: 'All of my producers inspire me, but the ones who have been with us from the first few months of opening our doors have a special place in my heart. They really took a chance on us in the same way we took a chance on them. We were showing up for our community, doing our best, with so much still to learn, but they trusted their business and hard work to us to help them build their dreams and now we get to watch them succeed in all the best ways.' The trust between Native women entrepreneurs and Native-led financial institutions is sacred. It reflects generations of relational accountability — where success isn't measured in dollars alone, but in the well-being of families, food systems, and future generations. Relationship-based lending, mentorship, and culturally rooted support are core to what makes Native CDFIs so successful in reaching and empowering women entrepreneurs. Honoring Culture Through Finance In many Native communities, finance is not just about money — it's about values. At Oweesta, we don't separate economic development from cultural revitalization. Our programs are intentionally designed to reflect Indigenous worldviews, where relationships come first, and wealth is shared. In traditional economies, wealth wasn't accumulated — it was distributed. Prosperity was measured not by what one had, but by what one gave. These values remain alive today and form the backbone of our lending and financial education programs. 'We teach budgeting, yes—but we also teach the importance of kinship. We offer business development services—but we also remind entrepreneurs that success doesn't mean leaving your community behind. We embed language, ceremony, and traditional practices into our training models because when Native people see themselves reflected in financial systems, transformation happens,' Chrystel Cornelius, President & CEO, Oweesta Corporation. The Numbers Tell a Story Too Since our founding, Oweesta has facilitated the deployment of over $1.1 billion in capital to Native communities and provided culturally relevant financial education training to over 39,125 individuals. We partner closely with Native CDFIs on the ground, who directly lend to individuals. Since 2019, at least 1,012 of the clients served were Native women entrepreneurs—many of them taking bold first steps towards launching a business, purchasing a home, or building intergenerational wealth. These numbers represent more than economic impact—they reflect the return of agency, voice, and vision to communities systematically excluded for centuries. Conclusion The leadership of women like Skya is rooted in a deep legacy of matriarchal strength. While she doesn't point to one single moment that shaped her leadership, she says her path was forged by watching and learning from generations of fearless women: 'So many values come to mind. Strong, consistent, fearless and powerful. The women Skya Ducheneaux, Executive Director of Akiptan Oweesta I like to surround myself with are the ones who are solution oriented, steadfast in their mission, full of integrity and unapologetic. They don't always necessarily think about glass ceilings or typical gender roles; they just get out there and do the damn thing because it's the right thing and needed done! That's what I want to be like and if I get to shatter a few glass ceilings while doing, it makes it even sweeter. I want to make the women in my life proud, and I want to be that example for my daughters. Here's to strong women; may we know them; may we be them and may we raise them!' At Oweesta, we witness this strength every day. It lives in the mothers saving to buy a home, the grandmothers raising their grandchildren while starting a business, and the daughters who carry their ancestors' prayers into boardrooms and lending circles. But strength alone isn't enough —we must meet it with infrastructure, education, and access. Globally, nearly one billion women remain unbanked. In Native communities, systemic exclusion from financial institutions has created a chasm that limits opportunity. That's why Indigenous-led solutions are so vital. We aren't here to replicate colonial systems—we're here to restore balance and build anew. Financial equity isn't a handout. It's a return on centuries of stolen land, stolen labor, and stolen wealth. It's reparative, it's necessary, and it's already happening — because Native women are leading the way. Closing the financial access gap for women, particularly in Native communities, is not just a matter of justice — it's an economic imperative. As these leaders show, empowering women means investing in community strength, resilience, and a future where everyone thrives. At Oweesta, we don't just know strong women—we invest in them. And when we do, we invest in the future of our nations.
Forbes
14-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Investing In Sovereignty: The Oweesta Approach
Native Americans own over 400,000 businesses across the United States, accounting for 1.2% of all U.S. firms. Yet many entrepreneurs face significant barriers in accessing capital, often due to the unique legal and geographic structures within tribal communities and broader challenges within the traditional lending system. As President and CEO of Oweesta Corporation, a national Native CDFI intermediary, Chrystel Cornelius leads efforts to bridge the gap between financial institutions and Native communities. A citizen of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin and the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians in North Dakota, Chrystel has spent the past 25 years advancing economic development in Native and rural areas. I recently had the opportunity to speak with Chrystel about the current landscape for Native-owned businesses and the transformative work of Oweesta. Our conversation, edited for clarity, follows below. Rhett Buttle: At a high level, can you describe how Native small business owners are contributing to the economy in the United States, as well as their communities. Chrystel Cornelius: Native small business owners are vital to the strength and sovereignty of Indigenous communities and the U.S. economy. Rooted in resilience, innovation, and cultural stewardship, Native entrepreneurs are driving economic growth, creating jobs, and reclaiming economic power on their own terms. Today, Native Americans own over 400,000 businesses across the United States, representing 1.2% of all U.S. firms. Collectively, these businesses contribute over $33 billion annually to the economy and employ nearly 300,000 workers nationwide. Native-owned businesses are thriving in industries such as construction (35,969 firms), professional and technical services (30,966 firms), and other key sectors (43,573 firms). Their impact extends beyond these numbers—Native entrepreneurs are leading in tourism, agriculture, technology, and the arts, bringing Indigenous knowledge and practices into the broader market. Many Native business owners are weaving tradition with innovation, integrating ancestral knowledge, sustainable practices, and cultural craftsmanship into their enterprises. Their success is a direct investment in Indigenous communities, strengthening local economies, funding education, expanding healthcare access, and fostering self-sufficiency. Native entrepreneurs are not only contributing to the economy—they are building legacies, preserving culture, and reclaiming economic sovereignty for future generations. Rhett Buttle: What are some of the unique challenges Native entrepreneurs face in starting and maintaining their own small businesses? Chrystel Cornelius: Native entrepreneurs face distinct challenges when launching and sustaining their businesses, many of which are rooted in historical and systemic barriers. One of the most significant obstacles is limited access to capital and investment. Unlike the rest of America, many Native business owners struggle to secure traditional loans due to the rural nature of tribal communities and the reluctance of conventional banks and investors to support Native-led businesses. Without equitable financial opportunities, Indigenous entrepreneurs often rely on self-funding or community-based lending, which can limit growth potential. Infrastructure disparities further hinder Native business development. Many Indigenous communities lack reliable internet access, transportation networks, and commercial space, making it difficult to operate and scale businesses—especially in remote or rural tribal lands. These infrastructure gaps place Native entrepreneurs at a disadvantage in an increasingly digital and interconnected economy. Market access and visibility also present significant challenges. Native business owners frequently struggle to break into mainstream markets due to limited networking opportunities, lack of exposure, and misconceptions about Indigenous products and services. Many businesses rely heavily on word-of-mouth and local sales, which can limit their ability to expand and reach broader audiences. Despite these challenges, Native entrepreneurs continue to build and sustain businesses that uplift their communities, preserve cultural traditions, and contribute to economic sovereignty. Addressing these barriers—through increased access to capital, stronger infrastructure investment, and broader market inclusion—is critical to ensuring the long-term success and resilience of Native-owned businesses. Rhett Buttle: How does the Oweesta Corporation work with businesses to help them overcome these challenges? Chrystel Cornelius: Oweesta Corporation plays a critical role in strengthening Native small businesses by acting as a direct investor in Native Community Development Financial Institutions (Native CDFIs), which often face limited access to capital. By supporting these financial institutions, Oweesta ensures that Native entrepreneurs and tribal businesses have access to the funding and resources they need to thrive within their communities. Beyond investment, Oweesta supports Native CDFIs, Tribes, and Native-led nonprofits by providing technical assistance, training, and capacity-building support. These efforts help organizations strengthen their expertise needed to deliver capital, financial education, and business development services to Native entrepreneurs. By directly investing in Native-led economic development efforts, Oweesta strengthens the financial infrastructure in tribal communities, creating pathways for small business success, job creation, and long-term economic sovereignty. Through these efforts, Oweesta ensures that Indigenous businesses are not just surviving—but thriving. Rhett Buttle: Would it be possible to share some success stories? Chrystel Cornelius: Absolutely. One inspiring example comes from Olympia, Washington, where Native American and veteran entrepreneurs Daniel and Treasa Sabo launched MELO Powerwash—a professional exterior cleaning company focused on helping homeowners and businesses maintain and enhance their properties. Treasa's journey began when she connected with the Nimiipuu Fund and enrolled in their Indianpreneurship Workshop. Through this program, she sharpened her business strategy and created a solid plan to bring MELO Powerwash to life. With the guidance and support of the Nimiipuu Fund, she secured seed capital through a Native CDFI—providing the critical investment needed to launch the business. Today, MELO Powerwash has grown to serve both residential and commercial clients across Washington State, offering services like pressure washing, roof and window cleaning, and even holiday light installations. But their impact goes beyond business—by helping others protect their homes and investments, the Sabos are building a stronger, more resilient community. Rhett Buttle: The White House recently issued an executive order on reducing the federal government that impact the CDFI fund and the MBDA. Would this affect Native small businesses and if so, how? Chrystel Cornelius: The CDFI Fund and the NACA Program have made it possible for Native CDFIs to serve as financial pillars in their community, providing capital where traditional banks and lenders have fallen short. Native CDFIs' direct investment in their community has led to the creation of tens of thousands of jobs and thousands of Native-owned small businesses across the United States —all of which strengthen our local economies and our Nation as a whole. Rhett Buttle: If an aspiring entrepreneur or business owner wants to engage with the Native CDFI sector for business support, what should they do? Chrystel Cornelius: There is a CDFI in every state in the US. If a tribal entrepreneur wishes to receive support for their business they should look up viable CDFIs in their area by researching CDFIs on the Department of Treasury CDFI Fund website.
Forbes
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Forbes
Stand Strong, Stay Rooted: Fighting Displacement In Native Communities
Displacement is often seen as history, but for Native communities, it remains a daily reality—driven by economic pressures, climate change, and cultural erasure. For generations, we have fought to remain on our lands. Displacement isn't a single event; it's an ongoing struggle embedded in systems that threaten our homes, economies, and sovereignty. Today, it takes the form of rising housing costs, land dispossession, and climate crises—disrupting families, disconnecting youth from their heritage, and undermining Tribal Nations' ability to shape their own futures. During Oweesta's visit to Aloha ʻĀina Poi Company—a farmer-owned initiative committed to strengthening community through kalo farming—the Oweesta team got our hands in the soil: planting 2,000 kalo seeds, harvesting 157 leaves, and processing hundreds of pounds of kalo into poi. In support of their vision to cultivate the next generation of farmers, Oweesta proudly presented Aloha ʻĀina Poi Company with a $250,000 contribution. We must confront this challenge head-on—not just to protect what's ours, but to reclaim our right to thrive, build wealth, and secure a legacy of self-determination. As the nation's longest-standing Native CDFI intermediary, Oweesta partners with Indigenous communities to restore economic power. Through access to capital, financial education, and culturally rooted systems, we support Native-led solutions to displacement. When Native people have the resources to lead, they do more than resist—they reclaim, restore, and build lasting models of resilience for generations to come. The Realities of Displacement in Native Communities Displacement in Native communities has never been accidental—it has been systemic, sustained, and sanctioned by law. From the Indian Removal Act of 1830 to the Indian Relocation Act of 1956 and the Termination Era policies, federal legislation intentionally fractured Tribal Nations, severing Native peoples from their lands, cultures, and community ties. These policies inflicted generational trauma, dismantled local economies, and imposed structural barriers that continue to shape Indigenous realities today. But displacement didn't end with those acts - it evolved. Today, Native communities face housing insecurity, economic exclusion, cultural erasure, and climate disruption. These modern forces don't operate in isolation-they layer upon one another, making it increasingly difficult for Native people to remain in, return to, or build thriving futures in their own homelands. Housing Displacement Native American homeownership rates remain among the lowest in the United States. This disparity is not due to a lack of interest or capacity among Native families but stems from systemic barriers within financial systems that were not designed to serve them. One significant challenge is the difficulty in securing lenders willing and equipped to offer mortgages on trust lands. The perceived legal and bureaucratic complexities associated with lending on Tribal lands lead many financial institutions to avoid them entirely, perpetuating exclusion and deepening inequalities. Notably, Native Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are among the few entities making these mortgages a reality for families. Oweesta had the honor of visiting a housing encampment near Waiʻanae Small Boat Harbor, led by the inspiring Twinkle Borge. Through her unwavering advocacy with Puʻuhonua o Waiʻanae Mauka, Twinkle has built a powerful movement rooted in dignity and community Today, she and her community support over 200 families in their current location—and they're actively building a permanent, culturally grounded village to call home. In support of this vision, Oweesta proudly contributed $250,000 to help bring Puʻuhonua o Waiʻanae Mauka to life. Additionally, many Tribal communities are situated in very rural and remote areas, making it challenging to access housing services that are readily available in more urban settings. These areas often face a severe shortage of qualified appraisers, complicating the assessment of home values and the securing of loans. Construction efforts are similarly hindered by a lack of builders willing to work in Tribal areas and the need to develop essential infrastructure such as roads, water systems, and electricity. These factors further drive-up building costs and limit the availability of affordable housing. Moreover, Tribal lands are under threat from developers and extractive industries seeking to profit from natural resources. Predatory real estate tactics-such as inflated land valuations that push Native families out, coercive buyouts, and exploitative leasing agreements-undermine Tribal sovereignty and destabilize Native economies. Without protective policies and targeted investments, Native communities will continue to be denied access to land, housing, and wealth-building opportunities. Climate Displacement Climate change is rapidly driving displacement in Native communities, compounding centuries of struggle to remain on ancestral lands. Rising sea levels, extreme heat, wildfires, and droughts are already forcing Native families to leave the lands they have long fought to protect. Tribal Nations—especially in coastal, forested, and arid regions—are facing these threats first and worst. Many Native communities, already displaced by federal policy, now face climate-driven relocation. Homes are being lost, sacred sites are disappearing, and the deep cultural ties to place are at risk. In Alaska, the Native Village of Newtok is moving due to coastal erosion and permafrost melt, while in Louisiana, the Isle de Jean Charles Band of Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw was among the first to receive federal climate relocation funding. Across the Southwest, megadroughts are making traditional agriculture untenable. Yet, Native communities often lack equitable access to federal climate resources. Planning support, relocation funding, and disaster aid rarely reach Tribal Nations at the scale needed, forcing them to navigate these crises largely alone. Addressing climate displacement in Indian Country requires more than environmental action—it demands policy change, investment in Tribal capacity, and respect for Indigenous sovereignty. Native communities must lead the way in climate resilience, as they have stewarded these lands since time immemorial. Economic Displacement Economic displacement remains one of the most enduring impacts of colonization, forcing Native families to leave their homelands—not by choice, but due to economic pressure. Generations of disinvestment, land dispossession, and federal restrictions have left Tribal communities without basic financial infrastructure. Banks are scarce, capital is limited, and Native entrepreneurs face steep barriers to building wealth. The result is a steady outflow of talent and leadership, weakening intergenerational ties and Tribal economies. In rural areas, lack of broadband, workforce investment, and transportation further hinders economic growth, while outside developers extract value without reinvesting in Native communities. But Native-led institutions are shifting this narrative. Native CDFIs, Tribally owned businesses, and sovereignty-centered economic development initiatives are reclaiming ground—creating jobs, financing homes, supporting entrepreneurs, and building localized wealth that stays in community. Still, without systemic investment and equitable access to capital, economic displacement will continue—pushing Native families away from the very communities they seek to strengthen. Cultural Displacement Displacement is also about losing spaces where languages, ceremonies, and ways of life thrive. Boarding schools, forced relocation, and assimilation policies disrupted the intergenerational transmission of knowledge. Today, cultural displacement continues through language loss, disappearance of communal spaces, and challenges of maintaining traditions in increasingly urbanized settings. This loss severs community bonds and diminishes the presence of Indigenous knowledge systems in public life. Oweesta's Commitment to Anti-Displacement At Oweesta, we believe ending displacement starts with Indigenous control over land, financial systems, and economic development. We support Native-led solutions that keep families rooted in place, culture, and community. By investing in Native CDFIs, we expand access to capital, promote homeownership, and grow local businesses—ensuring wealth stays within Native communities. Our financial capability programs equip families with the tools to build credit, increase savings, and achieve stability. Through policy advocacy, we work to ensure Native voices shape their economic futures. Our mission goes beyond resisting displacement—we are building lasting pathways to prosperity, cultural preservation, and thriving Native nations. Connecting Through Stories Displacement is not a single moment in time - it's a thread woven through generations. It reaches beyond the loss of land, housing, and policy decisions. It's about the ongoing systems designed to erase us - from the forced removals that pushed our ancestors from their homelands to the barriers that prevent homeownership today, to the extractive industries that continue to chip away at what remains. It's rising waters, burning lands, and the disappearance of spaces where our languages, ceremonies, and ways of being once thrived. But the story of our communities is not only one of loss - it is a story of survival. Displacement may have shaped our histories, but it has never defined us. Across generations, Native people have resisted, adapted, and reclaimed. These are stories of strength - of returning, rebuilding, and renewing what was meant to be erased. By reconnecting with our histories, we begin to understand the full impact of how displacement continues to shape our lives today. And in that understanding, we find clarity, purpose, and collective strength to confront the forces that still seek to divide and disrupt our communities. With support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Oweesta is launching a national social media project to explore how displacement continues to impact Native lives across the country. We invite you to share your story of resilience. Tag @Oweesta and use #StandStrongStayRooted. Together, we can build visibility, solidarity, and change. These aren't just stories—they are our truths. And by speaking them in the spaces where decisions are made, we push back against erasure and advocate for the recognition, resources, and respect our communities deserve. Displacement has never defined us. Our resilience has. Stand strong. Stay rooted.
