Film by Passenger Productions
The Native American Community Development Institute (NACDI) grew out of research that showed outcomes for American Indians in Hennepin County had not improved substantially in the past 40 years. NACDI spent three years asking Native people what they wanted for their future, as opposed to what they needed to meet their basic needs. The gatherings resulted in a rich and bold vision for a vibrant, resilient community that celebrates Native identity.
This work has spawned numerous efforts, from homeownership opportunities to youth entrepreneurship training to the building of the American Indian Cultural Corridor, a half-mile physical manifestation along Franklin Avenue of the community's vision for a prosperous home in Minneapolis.
The only entity of its kind in the country, NACDI has employed an asset-building approach to reposition the American Indian community as an engine of economic growth. It works from the premise that comprehensive, asset-centered strategies and cross-sector partnerships embracing technology, entrepreneurship and community development will promote innovative ideas.
