Who We Are
NWICDC services imbed Indigenous worldviews and values with Western methodology to braid concepts of inclusion, equity, opportunity, wellness, and self-sufficiency to advance a just and supportive society. Inclusion ensures that all individuals have equitable access and involvement in all aspects of community and decision making.
Equity focuses on ensuring fair and just allocation of resources for individuals to have the things they need to be successful in life. Opportunity is the equitable access for all individuals to participate and be represented in all aspects of society. Wellness extends beyond physical health to encompass mental, emotional and spiritual well-being, vital for individuals to thrive. Self-sufficiency, building confidence and empowering individuals to achieve their individual, family and community goals. Reclaiming Mino Bimaadiziwin, the life of balance, reclamation of traditions, language and strengthened family and community.
Who We Serve
NWICDC is located in Bemidji, MN and provides services to more than 2,400 individuals annually, serving a 60-mile radius which includes the Red Lake Nation, White Earth Nation, the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, as well as the administrative headquarters of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. NWICDC is located in Bemidji, the regional economic hub to all three reservations and is central economically and socially to the neighboring counties of Cass, Mahnomen, Clearwater, and Hubbard.
Anishinaabe Tribal Communities
NWICDC’s logo was created for us specifically to represent our relationship with the three Anishinaabe tribal communities; White Earth, Red Lake, and Leech Lake. We are centrally located in Bemidji and our programming and services expands to a 60-mile radius of our location.
What We Do
NWICDC fosters a supportive culture where individuals feel safe to discuss their challenges and work towards a more sustainable future of health, well being and self-sufficiency. Staff work directly with members to create cultural reclamation and self-sufficiency plans connected to traditional and modern resources that overcome crisis and life barriers. The Center offers holistic support that combines our indigenous values with western pathways in housing stabilization, employment and education, family reunification and stability, youth and women restorative and protective services and community re-entry support.
NWICDC implements four core initiatives with a three-tiered system that is informed by Anishinaabe worldview, trauma informed care and systems change:
Initiatives
- Traditional & Western Educational Pathways
- Workforce Development & Training
- Economic Security & Financial Access
- Family Wellness & Behavioral Health
- Safety & Basic Needs
Three Tiers
Informing
Demonstrate and deliver care coordination programs and services.
Connecting
Support and optimize Tribal and community assets and capacities.
Transforming
To use advocacy, community engagement, and increase public awareness to strengthen or change policy.
The 7 Grandfather Teachings
NIBWAAKAAWIN
Wisdom
“Love is showing kindness and compassion to the living things around you. It is working together and living in harmony with others. Love is accepting people for who they are. It is offering people hope and encouragement. Love means helping people to feel empowered and inspired to live their life in a good way.”
ZAAGI’IDIWIN
Love
“Love is showing kindness and compassion to the living things around you. It is working together and living in harmony with others. Love is accepting people for who they are. It is offering people hope and encouragement. Love means helping people to feel empowered and inspired to live their life in a good way.”
Manaaji’idiwin
Respect
“Respect means accepting cultural, religious, and gender differences. It also means taking action to protect the dignity, individuality and rights of others. Respect means carrying yourself in a good way at all times.”
ZOONGIDE’EWIN
Bravery
“Courage means being brave even when you are in a difficult situation. It is being strong enough to acknowledge your weaknesses and working to develop the strength to combat them. Courage is being able to stand up and speak out for what is right.”
GWAYAKWAADIZIWIN
Honesty
“Honesty means living your life in a truthful, sincere and fair way. It means speaking truthfully and avoiding gossip. It means doing what you say you are going to do and saying exactly what you mean.”
DEBWEWIN
Truth
“Truth is being loyal in all your relationships and avoiding hypocrisy. It is speaking as honestly as you can and recognizing that your perspective might be different than that of others.”
DABASENINDIZOWIN
Humility
“Humility is recognizing that you are a sacred and equal part of creation. You are no more or no less important than any other living thing. Humility is being modest in your actions and demonstrating sensitivity to others. It is being respectful of the thoughts and ideas of others. It is taking time to listen to what others have to say. Humility is recognizing both your strengths and weaknesses and acknowledging that everyone has room for growth and the capacity to make positive changes.”