Native American Indian Center of Central Ohio
Our primary focus area is to foster healing...
NAICCO Founder — Selma Sully-Walker
The Native American Indian Center of Central Ohio (NAICCO) was originally founded in 1975 by Selma Sully-Walker (Sisseton-Wahpeton Dakota)—tribal member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe of South Dakota. During her tenure, she served as the Director of NAICCO for over 18 years. Her mission from the beginning was to create a home for her beloved Native Americans in Central Ohio. Through her shining example of dedication, compassion, and service, she helped shape the way to a brighter future for Native Americans in Ohio. Today, Selma's steadfastness and legacy continues to inform and inspire the next generation of leadership at NAICCO.
Key Focus Areas
1) Cultural Preservation/Restoration, 2) Social Development, and 3) Economic Development
Meaningful Words from NAICCO Community Members
"When I'm here with my own people I really feel at home."
"NAICCO is our family. When we lost everything in the house fire, Masami and Ty were quick to help with no questions asked!"
"NAICCO is a noble place here in the heart of Ohio!"
"I'm starting to feel more grounded, like I have roots... You know, the Center is really helping me with that."
"NAICCO has been the backbone connection for Native culture and learning for my son."
"If it weren't for the Indian Center, I don't know where I'd be in my life..."
"NAICCO helps our families keep the connection with our people and culture."
"The Indian Center makes us all feel like we truly matter... especially the youth and elders."
"NAICCO is an amazing foundation that has revitalized the Native community in Ohio tremendously!"
"It’s a community that values our heritage and the story of our blood and gives us an outlet to act on some of our shared values and practices together."
"NAICCO to me and my family has been our backbone, always there with open arms to always let us know that we are not alone."
"NAICCO is an awesome center. It brings Native People together in times of need and is a place to call your own."
"NAICCO means a lot to me because it helped me figure out more about our culture, and it made me feel like I wasn’t just alone."
"NAICCO holds a special place in my world that no other can fill."
"It is a place that is like home, where there are people like you and your family."
"NAICCO is always pushing forward with the mindset of thinking of our future generations."
"They help me feel connected to my Nativeness."
"What NAICCO means to me is having a family to lean on in culture, in service, and in jokes at a time in our lives when most of us are far from our relatives."
"NAICCO’s sincere vision and actions are about building resilience in the Native community."
"I am happy to state that NAICCO, under the direction of Ty and Masami Smith, and all their assistants, keeps getting better each year due to their leadership."
"NAICCO is a unique and deeply valuable cultural and spiritual lifeline for urban Natives living in Ohio."
"I just wanna thank you all for letting me experience the things I’ve been missing out from my own tribe."
"They are more like family than friends! We love them!"