Registration Open ~ Capital, Credit & Data Symposium
Capital, Credit & Data Symposium
June 11, 2026
The Catlin Hotel | Sioux Falls, SD
Join us this June in Sioux Falls for a solutions-driven day focused on increasing mortgage lending and expanding homeownership in Native communities. The Capital, Credit & Data Symposium brings together CDFI lenders and banks, foundations, state and federal programs, and GSEs, alongside key housing and real estate partners, working together to unlock capital, grow lending capacity, and advance strategies that work in Native markets.
Through data and collaboration, we’ll focus on practical ways to deploy capital more effectively, strengthen real estate markets, and increase homeownership and assets for Native families.You’ll leave with clear, actionable strategies to put to work immediately.
Registration
Registration for the Capital, Credit & Data Symposium is $25 per person. If you are also registered for the 2026 Annual Coalition Convening & Tribal Site Visit, your fee will be waived.
Registration deadline is June 3rd, 2026.
Lodging
Because this event will take place during a busy tourist season, we encourage you to make your hotel reservations as soon as possible. Rooms are limited. All reservations and special rates are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Catlin Hotel [Hilton Garden Inn]
201 E 8th Street,
Sioux Falls, SD 57103
605-444-4700
The Catlin Hotel offers a range of rooms at a block rate for our group. To secure this rate, kindly make your reservation using the provided number above, mentioning the block name ‘SD Native Home Coalition’ or by using the button below to book online, by May 20, 2026.
SDNHOC Appraiser Trainee Pathways Training
Building Native Appraisal Capacity for Homeownership & Community Development
Program Overview
The SDNHOC Appraiser Trainee Pathways Training is a structured workforce development program designed to guide Native and tribal‑community participants from initial exposure to the appraisal profession through registration as a South Dakota Registered Appraiser Trainee and into supervised field experience.
Training Pathway At‑A‑Glance
- In‑Person Appraiser Immersion (2 Weeks)
- Required Online Appraisal Education (75 Hours)
- USPAP & Trainee/Supervisory Coursework
- State Registration as Appraiser Trainee
- Supervisory Appraiser Matching & Field Placement
Phase 1: In‑Person Appraiser Immersion
Duration: Two weeks, four days per week, in person with a certified supervisory appraiser.
Participants are introduced to the day‑to‑day work of residential appraisers, including property inspections, neighborhood analysis, sales comparison review, and professional standards.
Phase 2: Required Online Appraisal Education
Participants complete 75 hours of AQB‑approved coursework through McKissock Learning or an equivalent provider, including Basic Appraisal Principles, Basic Appraisal Procedures, and the National USPAP Course.
Phase 3: Trainee/Supervisory Appraiser Course
A four‑hour required course covering the roles, responsibilities, supervision standards, and experience logging requirements.
Phase 4: South Dakota Appraiser Trainee Registration
With SDNHOC coordination support, participants submit their interest as well as providing background of experience. Typically, looking for recruits with Real Estate/Appraiser education, engineering or other math fields of study, and individuals working in real estate, county assessor, Tribal Housing Designated Entities (TDHE’s), and other related college coursework, degrees or related professions.
Phase 5: Supervisory Appraiser Placement
SDNHOC coordinates placement with certified supervisory appraisers, providing orientation, mentorship support, and ongoing check‑ins throughout the field experience period.
Program Outcomes
- AQB‑compliant education completed
- South Dakota Appraiser Trainee registration
- Active supervised field placement
- Entry into a professional appraisal career pathway
Apply
Email below or call David Spider at (605) 228-9561 to apply or learn more.
Registration Open ~ 2026 Annual Coalition Convening & Tribal Site Visit
This year the Annual Tribal Site Visit will be on the Yankton Reservation. Please plan to attend to learn about the Coalition and the journey to creating a clear path to Native homeownership opportunities in South Dakota.
Annual Coalition Convening & Tribal Site Visit
June 9-10, 2026
Best Western Kelly Inn Event Center | Yankton, SD
Please join us this summer as we:
- Connect with peers working to increase Native homeownership in their communities.
- Learn about the Yankton Sioux Tribe’s progress with housing, development, and homeownership efforts.
- Hear stories of homeownership journeys from tribal members.
- Share updates about exciting work happening within the Coalition and hear the impacts being made.
Registration
Registration for this year’s Annual Coalition Convening & Tribal Site Visit is $250 per person. Current 2026 members will receive a $100 discount.
Registration deadline is May 31st, 2026.
Travel Assistance
The South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition has a limited number of travel stipends available to help offset a portion of travel costs incurred by member organizations to these events. Eligibility for stipends is limited to current members of the South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition and the members must be up to date on reporting.
The Coalition can provide travel stipends based on the following:
- One $250 stipend per current member organization
- Stipends will be disbursed once eligibility is verified after the event.
If you would like to apply for travel assistance, please indicate this on your registration form and a staff member will follow up with you.
Lodging
Because these events will take place during a busy tourist season, we encourage you to make your hotel reservations as soon as possible. Rooms are limited. All reservations and special rates are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. There are two hotel options this year.
Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Yankton
508 W 21st St
Yankton, SD 57078
(605) 653-2250
Fairfield offers a range of room types at $129/night plus tax. To secure this rate, kindly make your reservation using the provided number above, mentioning the block name ‘SD Native Homeownership’ or by using the button below to book online, by May 8, 2026.
Best Western Kelly Inn
1607 SD-50
Yankton, SD 57078
(605) 665-2906
Best Western offers a range of room types from $139/night plus tax. To secure this rate, kindly make your reservation using the provided number above, mentioning the block name ‘SD Native Homeownership’ or by using the button below to book online, by May 11, 2026.
We're Hiring ~ Homeownership Program Coordinator
Job Announcement
Homeownership Program Coordinator
South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition (SDNHOC)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Location: Remote
Reports To: Executive Director
Position Announcement Period
Open: April 8, 2026
Closes: April 24, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. (CT)
Organization Overview
The South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition (SDNHOC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization comprised of more than 75 tribal, state, federal, nonprofit, and private-sector partners. The Coalition works collaboratively to identify barriers, share innovative solutions, and leverage resources to create a clear and sustainable path to homeownership for Native people in South Dakota.
Mission
To increase homeownership opportunities for Native people in South Dakota to build strong and healthy communities.
Position Summary
The Homeownership Program Coordinator supports SDNHOC’s efforts to expand homeownership opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and advance coalition priorities that increase access to affordable housing for Native families.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate and support SDNHOC programs, initiatives, and meetings aligned with coalition priorities.
- Assist with implementing strategies to increase homeownership opportunities, including education, access to financing, and housing development efforts.
- Attend and actively participate in Homebuyer Readiness and Native Veterans Committee meetings.
- Support completion of coalition milestones and priority initiatives.
- Serve as a community-level “doer” by helping move projects forward and supporting on-the-ground implementation.
- Facilitate communication and collaboration among coalition members, partners, and community stakeholders.
- Organize trainings, outreach activities, and events related to homeownership education and resources.
- Track program activities, outcomes, and reporting requirements.
- Assist with maintaining and improving resource tools, including content, guides, and outreach materials.
- Support efforts to identify barriers to homeownership and contribute to solutions and policy recommendations.
Minimum Qualifications
- Demonstrated program management experience.
- Excellent communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong technology skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, social media platforms, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams.
- Strong financial management skills.
- Understanding of community development and homeownership within a Native context.
- Ability to maintain high energy, initiative, and engagement with staff and community partners.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with tribal communities or Native-serving organizations.
- Familiarity with housing programs, financing tools, or community development initiatives.
- Knowledge of Salesforce and QuickBooks (preferred but not required).
- Ability to work independently while collaborating across diverse stakeholder groups.
Salary and Benefits
- Salary will commensurate with experience. The anticipated starting salary for this position is $62,000 annually, depending upon qualifications and experience.
- Following successful completion of 90-day probationary period and performance review, employee is eligible for a salary increase of up to 5%.
- A comprehensive benefits package is offered after the probationary period, including health, dental, vision and retirement benefits.
To Apply
Interested applicants must submit a resume during the application period. Resumes may be emailed to the SDNHOC Executive Director, dspider@sdnhoc.org or mailed to the SDNHOC Executive Director. Applications must be received by 4:00 p.m. on April 24, 2026, to be considered.
David Spider, Executive Director
720 E. Oak St.
Sisseton, SD 57262
South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition Appoints David Spider as Executive Director
South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition Appoints David Spider as Executive Director
The South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition (SDNHOC) is proud to announce the appointment of David Spider as its new Executive Director. A respected leader in tribal housing, infrastructure development, and engineering, Spider brings decades of hands-on experience advancing safe, sustainable community infrastructure and housing development in Native communities across South Dakota and the Great Plains region.
Spider most recently served as the Director of Development for the Sisseton-Wahpeton Housing Authority, where he provided strong leadership focused on strengthening housing development and inspection capacity. His deep technical expertise, combined with his long-standing service to tribal governments and communities, uniquely positions him to lead the Coalition’s mission of expanding Native homeownership opportunities statewide.
“David brings an exceptional blend of technical knowledge, leadership experience, and commitment to tribal communities,” said Sharon Vogel, Chairwoman of the SDNHOC Board of Directors. “His background in housing development, infrastructure, and tribal governance aligns directly with our work to support long-term community stability and vitality through homeownership. He has also played a vital role in the Coalition’s work to support opportunities for Native contractors and housing inspectors–and we are thrilled he’ll now be leading our broader strategies to overcome barriers to Native homeownership.”
David’s career reflects a strong commitment to public service, tribal self-determination, and practical solutions that strengthen community infrastructure and housing systems. In addition to his experience overseeing housing development projects, he brings more than two decades of experience in tribal infrastructure and community development, including nearly two decades working with multiple tribes on transportation and road construction projects across the Great Plains.
For nearly a decade, throughout his work for the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, David has been an active part of the Coalition’s work to increase safe, affordable housing stock on Native land. He has helped to lead numerous Coalition training workshops focused on growing the capacity of Native contractors and housing inspectors—initiatives that are vital to long-term community development and expanding housing access for Native individuals and families.
As Executive Director, Spider will oversee the Coalition’s advocacy and programmatic work to increase Native homeownership, including policy initiatives, homebuyer readiness efforts, and partnerships that support housing development and access to financing. He will also lead the Coalition’s strategic planning, organizational growth, and engagement with funders and partners to expand its impact.
“Being a part of the Coalition’s work to increase Native homeownership has always been an honor–and I am extremely excited to take on this new role,” said David. “For generations, our community members face so many barriers to homeownership–from grappling with the complexity of land use, to navigating financing, to finding contractors who can meet their needs. But through the work of Coalition members across the state, we’re already witnessing change–and seeing younger people purchase their own homes. That will not only create generational wealth for their own families–it will be foundational to supporting thriving Native communities and nations. I’m looking forward to expanding those opportunities and continuing to build practical, sustainable pathways to homeownership.”
Spider earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and holds a State of South Dakota Engineer in Training license. He is also an International Code Council Certified Residential Building Inspector and Certified Residential Energy/Plans Examiner. His career spans engineering, housing development, tribal governance, and regulatory inspection—experience he brings to the Coalition’s mission of strengthening Native communities through homeownership.
South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition Releases Statewide Native Veterans Housing Needs and Homeownership Study
To commemorate Veterans Day, the South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition released today the Statewide Native Veterans Housing Needs and Homeownership Study which analyzed data collected from 418 Native veterans across South Dakota. The study set out to identify the housing and service issues most important to veterans in each of the nine reservations communities in South Dakota. Coalition members will use the results to expand their programming to help to address the collective concerns identified.
According to the study, the homeownership rate for SD Native veterans increased to 43%, up slightly from 39% since the Coalition’s previous data gathering efforts in 2019. However, the 43% homeownership rate for SD Native veterans is still significantly lower than the 69% homeownership rate in South Dakota overall.
“The Coalition has prioritized assisting Native American veterans interested in pursuing homeownership, and the findings from this study really help us to identify their preferences and needs,” said Sharon Vogel, Coalition Chair and Executive Director of the Cheyenne River Housing Authority. “We have such gratitude for the veterans who participated in the survey and for the Coalition members, especially our Tribal Veteran Service Officers, who helped to get the word out about it.”
The Coalition collaborated with the firm Big Water Consulting to design and conduct the survey and draft the statewide report, which aggregates the survey results from all nine reservations. In addition, the report includes a Tribe specific analysis section for each Tribe as well as an analysis of surveys completed by Native veterans residing in Rapid City, SD.
Take a look at the Study!
Download the cumulative report by clicking below.
Tribe Specific Reports.
You can view and download reports specific to each tribe by clicking below.
Read the full press release.
Download the press release by clicking below.
Building Knowledge, Building Communities, Israel Hernandez's Path to ICC Certification
Before earning his ICC Certification, Israel Hernandez worked in maintenance for his local tribal housing authority on the Cheyenne River Reservation. His day-to-day work was focused on basic repairs—changing out broken items, fixing what he could see. But he didn’t yet have the tools or training to fully assess the structural integrity of homes in his community.
That all changed when he joined the South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition’s Workforce Development Program.
Like many tribal communities across South Dakota, Israel’s reservation has not adopted building codes—and most inspectors are not formally certified. The Coalition set out to close that gap by increasing access to International Code Council-certified training for tribal housing staff and Individuals working within tribal communities.
Israel was one of many Native professionals invited to participate in a 3–4 day intensive certification course. The impact of the training was far deeper than just technical knowledge.
“It was invigorating to see other working Natives in other communities,” Israel said. “It changed the way I look at networking and organizing. I didn’t have those skills before training with you guys. It changed everything—from being just a worker to becoming a leader in my community.”
Israel earned Property Maintenance and Energy Conservation certifications, transforming his role from general maintenance worker to full-time certified inspector. Now, he leads the inspection process for his tribe’s Homeowner Assistance Fund, conducting full property evaluations and creating detailed scopes of work, material estimates, and inspection phases for contracting.
“I don’t even drive the same vehicle anymore,” Israel shared. “I have an office, a laptop—everything’s changed. I’m no longer doing maintenance. I’m the inspector. And I didn’t apply for this job—it was given to me because my community needed it.”
The support Israel received through the Coalition’s training program was critical. Weeks before the training, he was provided study materials, flashcards, and guides that exposed him to new terminology and technical concepts. In the classroom, an ICC-certified instructor provided real-time exam guidance, coaching participants on how to navigate the codebook during the open-book exam.
““If I didn’t have that instructor, I would’ve been paying attention to the wrong things. The instructor taught me how to use the book like a tool. That was the game changer.”
Israel now uses that knowledge daily—not just for inspections, but to advise community members, plan energy-efficient greenhouses, and guide tribal housing projects. His expertise saves the tribe money, protects families from health hazards like lead and carbon monoxide poisoning, and ensures construction quality meets international standards.
“Now, I’m using the codes to make decisions backed by regulation. I’m not guessing. I have the knowledge, and I can help others make safer, smarter choices.”
Israel also attended the International Code Council’s national conference in Long Beach, California—an experience that expanded his vision beyond the reservation.
“I met the incoming ICC president. I was there when they launched the Native American Code Officials Tribal Chapter. I’m thinking big now—intertribal, national. I want to help my tribe adopt ICC Building Codes. We need checks and balances to protect our people.”
Perhaps most powerfully, Israel has become a visible example to others—his children, high school students, and community members who now come to him for guidance and advice.
“I was able to show students how to study. I brought my certification home, and they brought home their diplomas. That’s the most rewarding part—being an example.”
Israel’s long-term goal is to help his tribe pursue larger-scale development—hotels, greenhouses, agricultural projects—and become a tribal building official. With ICC certification as his foundation, he now has the confidence and credibility to lead.
“This isn’t just about inspections. It’s about survival. Our winters are deadly, our summers harsh. With this training, I can help protect my people.”
And his message to others thinking about joining the program?
“You’ve got to make a personal commitment. Show up for yourself. Study hard. This is how we warrior up today—through knowledge. Don’t be afraid to change. This program changed my life, and it can change yours too.”
Through programs like the ICC Certification Training, the Coalition continues to support tribal professionals like Israel—individuals whose commitment is helping build safer homes, stronger communities, and a more sustainable future for Native families.
Shifting the Landscape Through Homeownership - Down Payment Assistance Program Provides over $500,000 to Help Native Families Achieve their Dream of Owning a Home
For over a decade, the South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition (SDNHOC) has fought to combat the systemic barriers and inequities preventing Indigenous people and communities from achieving the economic security of homeownership. The Down Payment Assistance Program is a vital part of the Coalition’s mission–providing individuals and families with the resources for taking the final step in purchasing a home.
Since its launch in 2023, the Down Payment Assistance Program has distributed $500,000 to nearly 50 Native families in South Dakota’s tribal communities to support their dream of building equity in their own home.
“With all the challenges facing Native people and families in buying a home–including the challenges of securing traditional financing on trust land and the shortages of homes due to a lack of investment in our communities–being able to cover down payment costs shouldn’t be one of them,” said Kimberly Long Soldier, the Homeownership Program Manager at SNDHOC
“The Down Payment Assistance Program was created to close the affordability gap for Native families in South Dakota who are seeking to achieve homeownership, both on and off reservation. We’re thrilled that we’ve been able to help so many families take this important and life changing step. And we’re committed to growing this program in the years to come–because we know it will support the long term economic wellbeing of our communities.”
To support homeownership, SDNHOC partners closely with its member Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) across the state–which then work directly with individuals and families in their journey to buying a home. Through that work, the Coalition’s team recognized that, even for families who were well qualified to get a mortgage, gathering the assets to cover down payment costs presented a significant barrier. They presented their case to a group of key foundations–including the Wells Fargo Foundation, Partners for Rural Transformation, and the Northwest Area Foundation–and launched the DPA Program to foster pathways to sustainable homeownership.
Since the program’s launch, the Coalition’s team, led by Kimberly, have worked tirelessly to get down payment funds to Native families taking steps toward homeownership. While typically applicants need to apply at least two weeks before their closing date, the team has repeatedly gone the extra mile to support those with urgent needs who just learned about the program and only have a few days to spare. And beyond just distributing funds, Kim works to connect personally with program participants–from walking them through the application process to celebrating their accomplishment once their closing is complete.
We purchased our home this past Fall with financing support from Four Bands and Lakota Funds, both member organizations of the South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition. The funds we received from the downpayment assistance program reduced our loan principal, making it more affordable for our family. In addition, the purchase of our new home enabled our family to move back to the community where we have generational roots. We are grateful for this opportunity and would like to express our deepest gratitude.
–Ethan, Heidi, Jax, and Jayna Cuny
The DPA Program has represented a major milestone in the Coalition’s work to drive Native homeownership forward. In 2024 alone, the program:
- Supported $8.9 million in loans, with a total purchase price of $7.8 million
- Brought homeownership within reach for nearly 50 families long excluded from the market
- Increased homeownership for Native families in diverse tribal nations–including on the Pine Ridge, Cheyenne River, Rosebud and Standing Rock Reservations–as well as for families living in non-reservation urban and rural areas.
The data reveals the program’s impact. Yet it’s the stories of individual families that have achieved their dream of homeownership that remain in the minds of the Coalition’s team. Kimberly worked closely with an elder, a grandmother, who cares full-time for her grandson and wanted to purchase a home. She shared with Kimberly how happy she was that her grandson gets to have his own room and a place to truly call home.
“The SDNHOC DPA Program is a key driver in the state for eliminating roadblocks for Native Americans on the path to homeownership. It complements our asset-building programs and increases our clients liquid assets which in turn increases their resilience. With the DPA program, we are one step closer to closing the racial income gap.”
–Lakota Vogel, Four Bands Community Fund, CDFI
Big thanks to our sponsor for supporting the path to native homeownership!
Policy Committee Visits Washington, DC to Meet South Dakota Delegation
Coalition’s Policy Committee Travels to Washinton, DC to Meet with South Dakota Congressional Delegation.
Members of the South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition’s Policy Committee traveled to Washington, DC on February 3-7, 2025 to join the National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC) Legislative Conference. Eric Shepherd, executive director of Sisseton Wahpeton Housing Authority, and Joe Shields, executive director of Crow Creek Housing Authority, also attended meetings with the South Dakota Congressional delegation to share housing and homeownership priorities for their communities. Crow Creek Sioux Tribe Chairman Peter Lengkeek and Crow Creek Housing Authority board member Brenda Sauze accompanied the group. Chairman Lengkeek was invited to deliver the opening prayer at the NAIHC meeting.
The group attended meetings with the Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Bryan Mercier to discuss the need for streamlining the residential leasing and mortgage approval processes. Coalition members Juel Burnette from 1st Tribal Lending, April Anderson from Four Bands Community Fund, and Sharon Vogel, executive director of Cheyenne River Housing Authority, participated in the meeting remotely.
Other highlights included a meeting with staff from Senator John Thune’s office, where the group learned that Senator Thune will be reintroducing the Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act, which will help to modernize BIA’s leasing and mortgage processes. They also met with Representative Dusty Johnson, who assured the group that he was educating his House colleagues about Tribal sovereignty, trust responsibility, and treaty obligations to help them to understand that Tribal nations should not be subject to DEI Executive Orders that were announced by President Trump.
They also met with Senator Mike Rounds to thank him for his support of the Native American Direct Loan Reform Act, which was enacted last December. In addition, they discussed the Senator’s plans to continue to work on rural housing reform legislation that would include authorizing language for the USDA 502 Native CDFI relending program. The group also recommended that any tax legislation that Congress considers during the budget reconciliation process should include provisions to stimulate economic development through better access to tax credits in Indian Country including New Markets Tax Credits, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, and the ability for tribal governments to issue tax exempt bonds.
Finally, the group participated in a briefing for staff members from the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs about Native homeownership issues. The Coalition’s policy committee, which is chaired by Sharon Vogel and JC Crawford, will continue to monitor Executive Branch actions from the Trump Administration and legislative activities to keep Coalition members informed about any policies that may impact their work.
We're Looking for an Executive Director to Lead Our Growth!
We are seeking qualified candidates for Executive Director.
After nearly a decade of operating as an informal coalition, we are proud to announce our transition into an independent 501(c)(3) organization. As we continue to expand the Coalition’s reach and impact, we are looking for an exceptional Executive Director to guide our growth and lead our mission. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in advancing homeownership opportunities for Native communities in South Dakota, fostering strong, vibrant, and healthy neighborhoods. We are seeking a dynamic and strategic leader with a proven track record in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and organizational management to steer the Coalition into its next phase of success.
Salary and Benefits
Salary will be commensurate with experience. Benefits will be provided, including health care, dental care, vision, and retirement.
To Apply
Please send a cover letter and resume to:
Tawney Brunsch, Executive Director
Lakota Funds
P.O. Box 340
Kyle, SD 57752
Email: tbrunsch@lakotafunds.org
Lakota Funds recognizes Native preference in hiring.