Supporting Oweesta Corporation

In September 2026, I began exploring a personal impact investment relationship with Oweesta Corporation, the longest-standing Native CDFI intermediary. This would be a repayable investment—not a charitable donation—placing capital with a Native-led organization that strengthens Native Community Development Financial Institutions and expands access to credit, training, and economic opportunity across Native communities.

I have had very good initial meetings. I am learning more, receiving terms, and anticipate making an investment. What stands out is the importance of backing the people and institutions already doing the work—helping Native entrepreneurs, families, Tribal Nations, and communities build lasting financial strength and economic sovereignty.

Oweesta’s mission—to provide opportunities for Native people to develop financial assets and create wealth by assisting in the establishment of strong, permanent institutions and programs that contribute to economic independence and strengthen sovereignty—aligns with the purpose behind this potential investment: supporting locally determined opportunity through access to capital.

Learn more about Oweesta Corporation:
https://www.oweesta.org

More Than 25 Years of Community-Led Work

Established in 1999, Oweesta Corporation promotes economic sustainability by providing capital, training, technical assistance, research, and policy advocacy exclusively to Native CDFIs and Native communities. Its work helps Native-led lenders and organizations deliver lending, financial education, business support, housing finance, and asset-building tools rooted in the communities they serve.

My role is not to direct that work. It is to consider placing personal resources behind an institution that understands Indian Country and has spent more than two decades helping Native people and organizations turn ideas and determination into opportunity.

Explore Oweesta’s work:
https://www.oweesta.org

Learn More or Discuss Support

Please contact Oweesta Corporation directly to learn more or discuss potential support. Any investment or contribution should go directly to Oweesta, not through Hart Legacy Press.

Chrystel Cornelius — President & CEO
chrystel@oweesta.org

Oweesta Corporation telephone:
303-774-8838

Oweesta Corporation website:
https://www.oweesta.org

Personal Capital. Lasting Purpose.

This potential investment reflects a shared purpose: supporting opportunity, independence, and the ability to build something lasting through Native-led institutions. I am encouraged by the initial conversations and look forward to learning more as discussions continue.

Major (Ret.) Michael P. Hart
Author and Founder
Hart Legacy Press, LLC
https://mph-author.com