33rd Annual Convention & Trade Show - May 21-23, 2007

The 33rd Annual Convention & Trade Show was one of the most, if not the most, successful conventions in NAIHC history. In terms of the number of trade show exhibitors and convention proceeds, no previous convention has done better. Never in NAIHC's history have we had so many exhibitors ranging from banking representatives, software consultants, tribal enterprises, and national and federal organizations.

We want to extend a special thanks and gratitude to the United Native American Housing Association for their generosity, financial and in-kind contributions, as well as their overall support for making the 33rd Annual Convention and Trade Show a remarkable success. The 2007 Convention will long be remembered—the extraordinary opening ceremony and gracious give-away was moving and appreciated by all who attended. These events were unprecedented for NAIHC conventions and would not have been possible without UNAHA"s effort. Again, we thank you

We also want to acknowledge and thank our top sponsors:

  • Fannie Mae
  • AMERIND Risk Management
  • Southern Ute Tribe
  • Washington Mutual
  • Federal Home Loan Banks

And, we do not want to forget all the sponsors who made this event possible:

  • NeighborWorks
  • Raymond James
  • Lower Brule Sioux Tribe
  • Lower Brule Housing Authority
  • Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
  • Salish Kootenai Housing Authority
  • Northwest Indian Housing Association
  • Drinker Biddle & Reath
  • Tiber Creek Associates
  • Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes
  • VISUALITY
  • Southern Ute Housing Authority
  • Aleutian Housing Authority
  • First National Development Institute
  • United South and Eastern Tribes
  • Southwest Indian Housing Association
  • Wagenlander and Heisterkamp
  • Great Lakes Regional Housing Association

We had nearly 60 trade show exhibitors and we would like to thank and acknowledge each of our exhibitors for making the trade show a huge success—thank you!

Some of the highlights during the convention included 34 training sessions over a two-day period. Sessions included: Designing and Building Green Tribal Communities, Banking Services & Products in Indian Country, Conducting Proper Criminal Background Checks, and Homeownership Options in Indian Country.

During our annual business meeting, the members heard from the newly hired executive director, Paul Lumley, about NAIHC's reorganization and his plans to bring the organization back to solvency, including the development of new partnerships to benefit the NAIHC membership.

Members also had the opportunity to be a part of a letter writing campaign to show their support for NAHASDA appropriations and the reauthorization. We received nearly 300 letters supporting this initiative and the letters were distributed throughout Capitol Hill.

During the convention, attendees were asked to complete a survey regarding the extent of predatory lending problems in Indian Country. The goal of the survey was to document the extent of the predatory lending problems in Native American communities and to point to local solutions. The results of the data are now available.

This project is in partnership with the First Nations Development Institute and the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

There were a total of 7 membership resolutions that were presented during the members meeting for consideration. Of the 7 resolutions, 2 were tabled. The adopted resolutions can be viewed in their entirely on our website at http://www.naihc.net.

Resolution #2007-01 — A resolution amending National American Indian Housing Council's Bylaws to clarify the policy on Public Advocacy.

TABLED: This resolution amends Article II, Section 2 B of its Bylaws regarding any legislation, including amendments to legislation, that promotes and supports better housing programs; however may not publicly advocate for such legislation except upon a 2/3 affirmative vote of the membership present at a legally called meeting, provided NAIHC may always advocate for increased appropriations without the need for a super-majority vote of its membership. This resolution should not be construed to limit/restrict the Board and Legislative Committee's ability to respond and take action on issues where the membership is silent.

Resolution #2007-02 — A resolution to support changes to Federal Appropriations and legislation to provide infrastructure to ensure safe, decent, and healthy homes.

This resolution supports changes to existing federal appropriations language and active federal legislation that would ensure safe, decent and healthy homes. NAIHC will issue positions and recommend draft statutory language and collaborate with the National Indian Health Board and tribal governments. This shall be NAIHC's policy until it is withdrawn or modified by a subsequent resolution.

Resolution #2007-03 — A resolution in support of increasing program funding levels for the Indian Housing Block Grant Program. NAIHC will recommend an increase in annual appropriations over the next five years in order to achieve a level of $1.1 billion per year.

Resolution #2007-04 — A resolution in support of reinstating the National American Indian Housing Council Technical Assistance & Training Program Funding. NAIHC will request that Congress reinstate funding for its technical assistance and training program at a level of $4 million.

Resolution #2007-05 — A resolution to exclude applicability of Section 504 requirements to new residential construction development in Indian country under 24 CFR 8.22 (B).

NAIHC will recommend that 24 CFR 1000.12 (b) be revised to include language that states, "except that 24 CFR Part 8 shall not apply where tribal ordinances which address accessibility issues are in place which are consistent with accessibility requirements that are determined by the tribe." The language currently reads, "(b) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794) and HUD's regulations at 24 CFR part 8 apply."

Resolution #2007-06 — A resolution requesting HUD to rescind Notice 2005-10 pending consultation with Indian Tribes. HUD's Office of Native American Programs issued Program Guidance No. 2005-10 on November 18, 2005, describing in a far-reaching manner how Indian Housing Authorities and Tribally Designated Housing Entities must determine the "useful life" for their assisted housing. In doing so, no tribal consultation took place. NAIHC will recommend that Program Guidance 2005-10 be rescinded and that changes in how "useful life" determinations are made and reported not be issued until after tribal consultation.

Resolution #2007-07 - A resolution in support of utilizing tribal enrollment records for allocating appropriations for federal grants. TABLED.