A Place to Call Home
In March, The Columbus Foundation announced the 5 Nonprofits to Watch in 2024, a group of dynamic nonprofits working to strengthen and improve the community. Among these organizations is the Native American Indian Center of Central Ohio (NAICCO). Established in 1975, NAICCO is devoted to preserving and restoring balance in the lives of Native Americans through traditional, cultural, educational, family, community, and wellness-driven initiatives. The organization serves as a critical presence in the lives of Native American individuals and families, promoting cultural preservation and restoration, social development, and economic development and sustainability.
On a sunny Saturday afternoon in August, individuals and families gathered at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, located southwest of Columbus. They were there for NAICCO’s Summer Finale, an event where local members of the Native American community connect with their history, culture, identity, values, and each other. Guided by a metro parks employee, the group visited the park’s Nature Center, learned about the diverse ecosystem in and around Big Darby Creek, and explored the park’s prairies.
Pictured: Individuals and families gather for NAICCO's Summer Finale in August.
The group spanned across generations and included several young children, who were offered a hands-on educational experience, feeding fish, petting a snake, examining native plant species, and watching baby bison graze in a pasture. Afterwards, the group met at a nearby campsite, where together they cooked, hiked, played games, and strengthened their ties as an intertribal community.
Top: Photo courtesy of NAICCO.
“Forward thinking has always been a core traditional practice among Native People since the dawn of time,” said Ty.
“The planting of healthy seeds in the lives of the youth has not only been about the individual’s highest good, but also about the People’s highest good. Investing in the future is exactly what NAICCO continues to do through the programming it provides."
Ty Smith, Project Director of NAICCO
Pictured (1-4): Photos courtesy of NAICCO.
In addition to events like the Summer Finale, NAICCO offers year-round programming and special events at the organization’s headquarters on East Innis Avenue on the South Side. Looking toward its future, however, NAICCO is currently leading another impactful initiative: The Land Back NAICCO campaign. Launched in 2019, the goal of the campaign is to raise funds for NAICCO to purchase land in central Ohio and beyond where Native People can gather and keep their heritage alive and thriving. Furthermore, the land will provide NAICCO more dedicated space for its programming—a place to call home. According to Masami Smith, Executive Director at NAICCO, "the Land Back NAICCO campaign has received more than $390,000 in contributions to date."
Above: NAICCO's headquarters, located on East Innis Avenue on the South Side. Photo courtesy of NAICCO.
“Needless to say, everyone’s love and support has put NAICCO in a unique position to invest not only in land, but in community, culture, and Mother Nature as well,” Masami shared. “This support has strengthened our position to attain NAICCO’s dream goal of having a place to call ours, which will enhance our People’s future going forward.”
With significant funding secured, NAICCO is diligently looking at properties to purchase. However, given the tough realities of the current real estate market, the organization continues to welcome contributions to the Land Back NAICCO campaign. Through the continued generosity of supporters, NAICCO hopes to raise $400,000 by the end of 2024.
For Ty and Masami, who first got involved with NAICCO nearly 30 years ago when the couple moved their family to Ohio, NAICCO serves as a home away from home for numerous Native Americans—including the Smiths and their three children. Now as Directors of the organization, Ty and Masami frequently witness the many ways that NAICCO helps foster a sense of connectivity and belonging among Native People in Ohio. As the Smiths see it, the Land Back NAICCO campaign is the start of an exciting new chapter for the organization and the individuals and families it serves.
To learn more about the Native American Indian Center of Central Ohio and the Land Back NAICCO campaign, visit www.naicco.com/donate.
