1-360-594-6004
Previously Lummi CDFI
Mission: "To provide access to education, financing, and asset growth,
in order to improve the prosperity and well-being of Native American families."
Hy'Shqe Gloria Point
It was an honor celebrating Gloria Point's retirement. We are grateful for the time and talents she brought to our organization. We wish her many blessings on the new adventures life brings.
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Connect with us on Social Media
We're making a splash on social media with small business tips, announcements, resources, and features about our staff and board so you can get to know us better. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for all the latest!
We've changed our name to Pacific Northwest Tribal Lending
We are excited to announce we are changing our name to Pacific Northwest Tribal Lending (PNTL). There has been a growing demand for access to financial tools and resources beyond Lummi Nation. While the entrepreneurs and community members of Lummi Nation will continue to be our priority, our mission includes support of all of the first peoples of the Pacific Northwest. This expansion strengthens the opportunities and shared prosperity for Native entrepreneurs, individuals, and families within the Lummi Nation, Whatcom County, and northwest Washington. It is an exciting time for change and growing our network. Read the full story here.
Welcome Fred Eningowuk, Director of Lending
After a nationwide search, we are pleased to announce Fred Eningowuk as our new Director of Lending! Fred has served on our board and is a strong advocate for our Native community. As our lending goals expand, he will lead our program into the future. Welcome to the team, Fred!
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Values-Based
Our Native CDFI is culturally rooted based on indigenous values and principles created by the first peoples of the Pacific Northwest. This intersection of values honors Native Americans and their surrounding communities with the understanding of spiritual, family, and sharing of our gifts concept among Pacific Northwest tribal peoples.
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Five Core Values
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Positive Approach and Welcoming Environment.
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Honor Our Tradition and All Its Gifts.
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Honoring Diversity.
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Resilience and Adaptability.
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Accountable and Responsible.
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Thriving Into the Future
Pacific Northwest Tribal Lending (PNTL), a CDFI, offers a trusted, safe place for tribal members who are considering entrepreneurship, building a business and/or strengthening their credit by providing access to education, financing, and asset growth, in order to improve the prosperity and well-being of Native American families.
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PNTL is able to offer these opportunities, based on Native Community values, and from community members who understand from the inside – out. This community-based perspective informs all actions and decisions of LCDFI and establishes a cooperative working atmosphere with all who partner and/or engage.
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Who We Are Today
Since inception in 2006, our vision set out to create "a vibrant, resilient economy supporting
our community’s spiritual and economic
well-being."
Our non-profit Native CDFI has focused on
serving the tribal small business and
entrepreneurs beginning within
Lummi Nation and extending into
the region. PNTL was established because
there was a need recognized in the
community for access to capital for tribal small business, and for Native individuals and families
to establish and build credit and
financial wellness based on traditional,
cultural and community values.
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PNTL has the following credentials:
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Chartered as a Non-profit corporation under Washington State in May 2006
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Certified as a Native CDFI in 2008 and a Community Development Entity (CDE) in 2016 by the US Department of Treasury
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Designated a Non-profit 501 (c)(3) corporation in January 2012
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People Fueling a Thriving Native Economy
Chi Qui - Yolanda Felix-Wilbur
Using art to tell a story has been a part of Native culture since time immemorial. Yolanda Felix-Wilbur creates immersive art installations to tell the story of Native peoples. A PNTL loan launched her mobile art studio. Her artistic journey is a fascinating story that continues to transform and develop. Use quote as graphic along with art pics: “PNTL is first and foremost among financial institutions. The ability to learn, prosper, and grow is unique, and you won’t find it anywhere else.” Read more about her journey.
Jean's Gift Shop
Jean Cultee, a Lummi Native, started her entrepreneurial journey buying and fishing in her own skiff before establishing Jean’s Gift Shop, specializing in wool blankets for tribal events. Technical and financial support from Pacific Northwest Tribal Lending helped expand her business skills and extend her market reach to other tribes, powwows, and canoe journeys. Read about her entrepreneurial spirit.
Puget Sound Power Wash
Anthony worked as a diver on a fishing boat before being inspired to start his own power wash business. He put up yard signs, created a Google My Business website and started bringing in jobs. His need for additional equipment led him to Pacific Northwest Tribal Lending for a micro loan. Covid created challenges for his business but his tenacity and thinking outside the box has helped his business grow with last year was the biggest by far. Find out more about how he's fueled his business growth.
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"I have utilized Pacific Northwest Lending...to purchase my commercial fishing boat. My intention was to use the boat for commercial crabbing. As it turned out, I was able to use it for commercial halibut, prawns, and salmon. With the help of the CDFI program, I was able to enter the tribal commercial fisheries and gain valuable experiences."
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Tim Ballew II, Commercial Fisheries and Tribal Member
The Sanctuary Salon
Cideahzia Barnes, owner of The Sanctuary Salon has taken her passions and skills as an esthetician into having three spaces in the Lummi Te’Ti’Sen Center’s Native small business incubator. She has grown, small step by small step, to where she is able to provide for her family – on her own terms. She is a great example of tenacity.
