Nixyáawii Community Financial Services’ Dave Tovey Honored with Leadership Award

MISSION, Ore. – The Native CDFI Network on Dec. 3 recognized Dave Tovey, Nixyáawii Community Financial Services executive director, with an Outstanding Leadership Award during its annual Policy and Capacity-Building Summit in Washington, D.C.

Tovey said he considers himself a rookie in the Native community development financial institutions arena but was grateful for the recognition.

“I’m so very fortunate to have a wonderful, hard-working team here at Nixyáawii Community Financial Services as well as the other two Native CDFIs (Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Economic Development Corporation and Indian Land Capital Company) I am privileged to serve as a board member. Was so kind to get these honors, but it’s all a result of those talented folks I get to work with,” he said.

The Native CDFI Network is a national voice and advocate that strengthens and promotes Native CDFIs, creating access to capital and resources for Native peoples. It was formed in 2009 to unify Native CDFIs serving Native trust land communities, American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians.

The Native CDFI Network also recognized the ATNI-EDC, of which Tovey serves as Board of Directors president, with the 2023 Award of Excellence.

“This story is not just about the success of an application, it’s about the values that drive this organization,” said Native CDFI Network CEO Pete Upton. “It’s about the commitment to the greater good, the ability to navigate change deftly and the unwavering dedication to the prosperity of the Native communities they serve. The recognition and awards bestowed upon Dave Tovey and the ATNI-EDC team tonight are not just accolades, they are a testament to their unwavering dedication and tireless efforts.”

Nixyáawii Community Financial Services is owned and operated by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR). It provides loans, homeownership assistance, business development services, youth and adult financial education to CTUIR members, reservation residents and tribal employees. For more information, call 541-304-2387 or visit https://www.nixyaawii-cdfi.org.

The ATNI-EDC provides financial and technical assistance in the areas of community and economic development to the 57 ATNI member tribes and their respective tribal members. ATNI member tribes include all tribes in Oregon, Washington and Idaho, as well as some tribes in Northern California, Nevada, Montana and Alaska. For more information, visit https://atniedc.com.

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation is comprised of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla Tribes, formed under the Treaty of 1855 at the Walla Walla Valley, 12 Stat. 945. In 1949, the Tribes adopted a constitutional form of government to protect, preserve and enhance the reserved treaty rights guaranteed under federal law.