Our Mission
Northwest Indian Community Development Center’s mission is to identify, coordinate and deliver resources that promote wellness and equity for American Indian families in northwest and north-central Minnesota.

 

Our Vision
We are informed by the guiding vision when Anishinaabe and American Indian families are connected to culturally rich environments and relationships, as well as appropriate contemporary resources, they realize and ensure well-being for themselves, their families and their communities.

 

Who We Are
We are a native-controlled 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1989 as an Occupation Industrialization Center in response to American Indian economic disparities in the region, delivering training and education opportunities to American Indian and low income families. In 2011, NWIOIC reorganized as community development model, offering a wide range of Anishinaabe informed services to more effectively meet the needs of Indigenous people, families and communities.

 

What We Value
For all processes and decision making we are guided by the 7 Grandfather Teachings:

•  Nibwaakaawin * Wisdom

•  Zaagidwin * Love

•  Manaaji'idiwin * Respect

•  Zoongide'ewin * Bravery

•  Gwayakwaadiziwin * Honesty

•  Dabasenindizowin *  Humility

•  Debwewin * Truth

 

Who We Serve
NWICDC is located in Bemidji, MN and provides services to more than 2,400 individuals annually, serving a 60-mile radius which includes the Red Lake Nation, White Earth Nation, the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, as well as the administrative headquarters of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. While located in Beltrami County, Bemidji is the regional economic hub to all three reservations and is central economically and socially to the neighboring counties of Cass, Mahnomen, Clearwater, Itasca and Hubbard. 

 

What We Do
NWICDC implements five core initiatives with a three-tiered system that is informed by Anishinaabe worldview, trauma informed care and systems change:

 

Initiatives

•  Traditional & Western Educational Pathways

•  Workforce Development & Training

•  Economic Security & Financial Access

•  Family Wellness & Behavioral Health

•  Safety & Basic Needs

 

Three Tiers

•  Informing- demonstrate and deliver care coordination programs and services

•  Connecting- support and optimize Tribal and community assets and capacities

•  Transforming- to use advocacy, community engagement, and increase public awareness to strengthen or change policy