Oweesta Corporation has been an innovator for Native economic growth since 1999. As the longest-standing intermediary for Native Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), Oweesta is expanding access to capital in underserved Native American, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian communities.

Under the leadership of Chrystel Cornelius, this majority-Native and minority- and women-led nonprofit is creating pathways for financial independence, prosperity and a brighter future for Native communities. In this Q&A, Cornelius shares Oweesta’s mission, impact and vision for the future.

Q: What inspired the creation of Oweesta Corporation, and how has its mission evolved over the years?

Chrystel Cornelius: Oweesta was founded to address the systemic lack of access to capital in Native communities, often called "banking deserts." Native entrepreneurs, families and organizations have historically faced barriers to affordable financial products and services. Our mission is to advance financial inclusion by providing Native CDFIs with the tools and resources they need to empower their communities. Over the last 25 years, we’ve grown from offering basic financial products and services to a comprehensive portfolio that includes certification courses, financial management training and a suite of lending products that serve Native communities. We’re not just filling gaps—we’re helping build economic systems rooted in sovereignty and self-determination.

Q: What makes Native CDFIs like Oweesta essential for economic development in Native communities?

Cornelius: Most Native regions are remote and rural and have little to no access to traditional banking services. Without banks, Native people often rely on predatory lenders or have no financial options at all. Native CDFIs provide an affordable and reliable alternative. Oweesta supports these CDFIs by delivering capital, training and certifications that equip Native practitioners with the skills to build strong financial institutions.

Q: Let’s talk impact. What milestones has Oweesta achieved recently?

Cornelius: We’ve had an incredible couple of years! By 2024, we surpassed $100 million in total assets and $60 million in lending. Since Oweesta began lending, our borrowers have disbursed over 30,000 loans totaling over $950,000,000 in their communities. This infusion of safe and affordable capital has created over 20,000 jobs, 5,000 new businesses and 1,400 new homeowners. These statistics go beyond milestones—this is a generational change for our communities. On the training front, we’ve launched multiple certification programs, like the Native CDFI Practitioner Certification, which covers everything from financial management to impact tracking. We’ve also introduced courses like Financial Coaching with Families Next Level and Trauma-Informed Financial Practitioner training, which address unique challenges Native communities face.

Q: Can you share more about your training and certification programs? How do they empower Native practitioners?

Cornelius: Our training programs are designed to build capacity and resilience. For example, our Building Native Communities Curriculum helps Native organizations create financial education programs tailored to their unique needs. Other programs, like Coaching for Credit Building, equip practitioners with tools to guide clients toward best practices for building positive credit. We’ve even created courses for specific demographics, like Financial Confidence for Elders, which provides senior community members with essential financial tools. These programs are about more than knowledge—they’re about empowerment and creating leaders within Native communities.

Q: How does Oweesta support sustainability and innovation in Native communities?

Cornelius: Sustainability is woven into everything we do. We’ve created large capital pools designed for long-term investment to meet the advanced capital needs of Native CDFIs. For example, during the pandemic, we launched a $36M COVID Relief and Recovery Fund with 15-year terms. We’ve also launched initiatives like participation lending under the federal New Markets Tax Credit program, which enables Native CDFIs to co-lend and support larger community projects.

Q: How does Oweesta engage with the broader financial and economic development community?

Cornelius: We prioritize industry involvement and collaboration. In the past year, we hosted the 9th Annual Oweesta Native CDFI Capital Access Convening and the 19th Annual Native Gathering Day at the Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) Conference. I’ve also represented Oweesta on panels at events like the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting and the Center for Indian Country Development Data Summit. These platforms allow us to elevate Native voices, share insights and advocate for change.

Q: On a personal note, what drives your passion for this work?

Cornelius: I come from a small reservation in North Dakota, the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, so this work is deeply personal to me. Years ago, I founded the first Native CDFI on my reservation, and through that experience, I saw firsthand how providing people with the tools, resources and capital to take control of their financial future can completely transform communities. When Native people have the power to shape their own economic trajectories, they not only thrive but also preserve their traditions. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished at Oweesta, but there’s still so much more to do to ensure that every individual and community can truly thrive and build a secure financial future.

Q: What’s your message to those unfamiliar with Native CDFIs and their importance?

Cornelius: Native CDFIs are not just financial institutions—they’re vehicles for change. By investing in Native communities, we’re creating jobs, businesses and opportunities that ripple out and benefit every American. Financial inclusion isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s a smart business strategy that strengthens local economies and builds a more resilient America. If you want to support this work, partner with us! Whether through funding, advocacy or awareness, every effort helps us move closer to a future where Native communities can thrive on their own terms.

Q: What’s next for Oweesta? How are you preparing for the future?

Cornelius: We’re focused on scaling our impact. Our five-year strategic plan outlines goals to expand capital access, strengthen partnerships and deliver more innovative training programs. Ultimately, our vision is for every Native community—no matter its size or resources—to thrive economically while preserving cultural and spiritual values. At Oweesta, we believe that with the right resources, Native peoples possess the ingenuity to sustain the economic, spiritual and cultural well-being of their communities.