Honoring Native Voices: NACUC’s Impact and Opportunities for Credit Union Collaboration

The Native American Credit Union Coalition (NACUC) is a growing network of Native-led and Native-serving credit unions working to expand financial access and economic opportunity in Indigenous communities. For credit unions and system partners, understanding NACUC’s mission and challenges is key to building a stronger, more connected movement.

Who Is NACUC?

NACUC brings together credit unions that serve tribal communities, creating a platform for collaboration, resource sharing, and advocacy. Its members operate in rural and tribal regions across states like Alaska, Montana, Oklahoma, and New Mexico—areas where credit unions are often the only financial institution available. These organizations are not just lenders; they are community anchors, helping members navigate financial systems while honoring cultural traditions.

Why This Matters for Credit Unions and System Partners

Native communities face unique barriers to financial access. NACUC exists to ensure these needs are understood and addressed within the broader credit union system. By partnering with NACUC, credit unions and system organizations can:

• Support underserved communities.

• Strengthen the movement’s reach and relevance.

• Share expertise and resources to overcome operational challenges.

Challenges NACUC Members Face

Credit unions serving Indigenous communities often operate under conditions that differ from mainstream institutions. Common challenges include:

• Talent Shortages: Recruiting and retaining staff with financial experience is difficult in rural areas. Training often starts from the ground up.

• Technology Gaps: Limited IT infrastructure and technical support can slow modernization and member service.

• Financial Literacy Needs: Many members are new to banking, making education a critical part of service.

• Homeownership Barriers: Tribal land ownership structures and complex lending processes create additional hurdles for Native families.

Despite these challenges, NACUC credit unions have achieved impressive results—from raising median credit scores by 74 points in Metlakatla, Alaska, to innovating ways to provide capital to micro and small businesses that may not have traditional proof of income and creating pathways to homeownership despite significant barriers.

NACUC’s Priorities for Growth

To strengthen its impact, NACUC is focused on:

• Formalizing Structure: Pursuing nonprofit status for sustainability.

• Expanding Membership: Welcoming more Native-led and Native-serving credit unions as members.

• Developing Educational Tools: Creating resources for financial literacy and staff training.

• Collaborating with System Advocates on Policy and Funding: Securing grants and programs that support small and Native credit unions.

How Credit Unions and System Partners Can Help

Collaboration is essential. Here are practical ways to engage:

1.Representation

1.      Invite Native credit unions into education, advocacy, and programming.

2.      Include NACUC leaders' perspectives in policy discussions.

2. Education and Training

• Share best practices for serving Indigenous communities.

• Create financial literacy initiatives tailored to Native members.

3. Data and Research

• Provide data and analysis to help measure impact.

• Collaborate on studies that highlight Native credit union needs and successes.

4. Funding and Advocacy

• Promote continued access to CDFI and LID grants.

• Amplify NACUC’s stories to policymakers and stakeholders.

5. Networking and Knowledge Sharing

• Encourage participation in NACUC roundtables and strategy sessions.

• Share resources across the credit union system to strengthen collective impact.

Why Engagement Benefits the Entire System

Supporting NACUC is about living the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.” By partnering with NACUC, credit unions and system organizations can:

• Expand financial access where it’s needed most.

• Build stronger relationships with Native American communities.

• Demonstrate the movement’s commitment to collaboration, community, and people helping people.

Moving Forward Together

NACUC’s work shows that financial services can be a powerful tool for cultural preservation and community empowerment. By listening, learning, and acting together, credit unions and system partners can help ensure Native voices are heard and needs are met.

Together, we can build a credit union system where every community has access to the financial tools they need to thrive.