SAINT PAUL – On October 9, 2023, Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon presented the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) Medallion to the Native American Community Development Institute (NACDI). The award recognizes the group’s efforts to expand voter education and participation. It was presented to NACDI as a part of their celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day.
NACDI has increased voter turnout and civic engagement in their community through its “Make Voting A Tradition” initiative, which provides culturally specific, year-round, multi-generational outreach. Over nine years, Make Voting A Tradition has grown civic participation in the American Indian Cultural Corridor and throughout the state.
“NACDI’s Make Voting a Tradition is a national model of a voter outreach effort that carefully considers the needs and wants of the community,” said Secretary Simon. “Through peer engagement and support NACDI has increased awareness and participation local elections while empowering community members to take part in our shared democracy.”
About NACDI
Native American Community Development Institute (NACDI) was founded in 2007 to address the growing challenges and opportunities facing the urban Indigenous community. NACDI is committed to transforming the American Indian community to effectively respond to 21st-century opportunities. NACDI works to promote innovative community development strategies that strengthen the overall sustainability and well-being of American Indian people and communities.
About the NASS Medallion Award
The NASS Medallion Award was created to honor individuals, groups, or organizations with an established record of promoting the goals of NASS in one or more of the following areas:
Award recipients should reflect the mission, purposes, and objectives of NASS as outlined in the NASS Constitution, Bylaws, and other relevant NASS policies. They should also promote the same dignity, ideals, and stature that NASS has come to represent over the years.