HOLLYWOOD, Fla.– The Native Learning Center (NLC), a Seminole Tribe of Florida program dedicated to the development of cultural and quality of life skills for all Native and Indigenous people, is pleased to present its Second Annual Indian Housing Training Conference hosted by the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa located in Catoosa, Oklahoma, August 19 – 21, 2014.
The Second Annual Indian Housing Training Conference strives to provide housing professionals with the resources to maintain quality homes, build drug-free housing developments, and create safe and prosperous communities for Native families by expanding affordable housing opportunities into the heart of Indian Country. Over the course of this three-day conference, participants will be able to join critical sessions related to Tribal housing programs that are imperative to HUD’s Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) Program.
This year the NLC is collaborating with key industry leading experts within housing to facilitate an “Envisioning Indian Housing for Future Generations” discussion panel. The panel looks to support an open forum to answer questions regarding current issues with Indian housing and identify key trends that are emerging as it relates to NAHASDA and Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHE). Make sure to visit the Native Learning Center’s Second Annual Indian Housing Training Conference web page for updates on panel speakers.
“As we come together again this year in Oklahoma to share the most current information from Indian Country’s most notable housing subject matter experts and Federal officials, this promises to be a uniquely in-depth and informative training addressing multiple facets of community and housing development in our Tribal communities. The “Envisioning Indian Housing for Future Generations” discussion panel hopes to initiate discussions between Tribal housing officials and our panel of experts, on subject matter that are pressing within their Tribal communities.” – Georgette Palmer Smith, (Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma/Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma) Executive Director of the Native Learning Center.
The Second Annual Indian Housing Training Conference sessions include, but are not limited to:
“Tribal Governments and Housing Authorities Should be Friends” – Instructor Dawna Hare (Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma), will discuss the importance of communication and collaboration between Tribal governments and Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHE) to better serve Tribal members and Natives in their communities.
“Planning and Financing Affordable Housing Using the Low Income Housing Tax Credit” – Instructors Bryan Schuler and Rae Ann Bender (Bad River Tribe of Chippewa Indians) will help attendees break down the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program process into manageable parts in an interactive format, and assist them in applying what they’ve learned to their particular circumstance and develop an action plan.
“Water and the Environmental Review: How to Go Beyond the Minimum and Promote Sustainable Practices” – Instructor Eugene Goldfarb will lead attendees in discovering the modern practice of groundwater recharge in place of storm water runoff and the use of Native species for landscaping.
“Accounting and Budgeting Principles for Tribal Programs” – Instructor Columba Quintero (Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona) will provide attendees with training on preparing budgets (personal, project/program, and grant application) and understanding how to check for variances, as well as the significance and importance of doing this on a regular basis. Attendees will be able to review basic math skills and concepts in a non-intimidating environment. Technical assistance will be provided after the session as needed for specific requests.
To register for the Second Annual Indian Housing Training Conference and view the agenda and course descriptions, visit: http://nativelearningcenter.com/2annualindianhousingtrainingconference/ <https://go.madmimi.com/redirects/1403033225-6279b8d1ae60b0c95a2d26e1ad86a5ab-393e537?pa=23358723631>