Your life has PURPOSE
Your story is IMPORTANT
Your dreams COUNT
Your voice MATTERS
You were born to make an IMPACT
You Will Always Be With Us....
Sheldon Francees
August 30, 1966 - June 13, 2020
Sheldon was a dear relative to many of us at NAICCO. His life story was our story, for it was well rounded with all the elements of a modern-day Native man – the good, the bad, and the ugly. His warm greetings and overall kind spirit will surely be missed by many of us. Because of who he was and what his life represented, the spirit of our mission work here at NAICCO will carry with it just that much more importance. Toksa aka waste cante wicasa…
Fred Johnson Jr.
October 8, 1941 - October 22, 2019
Fred served as a distinct leader at NAICCO since 2012. As the President of the NAICCO Board of Trustees, he brought strength, love, integrity, and happiness to NAICCO and the AI/AN community it serves. Today, NAICCO is well positioned as a successful, Native-focused, nonprofit agency in Ohio because of Fred’s unwavering commitment and genuine presence.
Raymond Roach Sr.
Wanbli Ho Waste Wicasa
August 3, 1954 - August 16, 2017
Raymond was a devoted tribal member to his beloved Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. In a very similar light he brought that same love and pride to NAICCO. He not only served on both NAICCO's Advisory Council and Elders Council, but he also stood as an unwavering champion for our AI/AN people in Ohio. His presence, spirit, and voice truly helped guide us to where we are today.
Carolyn Mullins
May 30, 1975 - February 22, 2016
Carolyn was a life-long devoted champion of NAICCO since it's founding. She was a loving mother to her children, and someone who touched the lives of everyone she met. Carolyn served as NAICCO's Chief Fiscal Officer for a number of years, as well as a strong advocate for NAICCO's mission and vision.
Parnell Necklace
Wanapin Gaga Hoksina
April 27, 1945 - January 5, 2016
Kenneth Irwin Sr.
Mádse Nuba
February 16, 1948 - November 11, 2014
Kenny relocated to Ohio from North Dakota over 40 years ago. While amongst us, he served as a champion for our AI/AN people at NAICCO and in Ohio. He fought to educate our AI/AN people and the broader public regarding the protection of AI/AN treaty rights, tribal sovereignty, and the correct interpretation of state and federal laws associated to the livelihood AIs/ANs living in Ohio.
Mark Welsh
Mato Ska Wicasa
November 27, 1952 - May 1, 2013
Mark was involved as a community member and leader at NAICCO, alongside his wife Carol Welsh, for more than 30 years of his life. In his lifetime, he was an unwavering ambassador for the Dakota/Lakota sacred teachings of Mitakuye Oyasin (All My Relations).
Asa Primeaux Sr.
Pejuta Hoksina
October 4, 1931 - June 2, 2003
Asa was a humble and dedicated spiritual leader for the local AI/AN community in Ohio. He was a strong supporter of his cousin Selma Walker and NAICCO's mission and vision for the people. In his lifetime he touched the lives of countless AI/AN community members from all around Ohio.
Selma Sully-Walker
Catka Winyan
December 16, 1925 - January 3, 1997
Selma is the original founder of the Native American Indian Center of Central Ohio (NAICCO). She was a passionate woman who sought to create a safe and nurturing environment for her people, the American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people of Ohio. Her intention was to build a home where AIs/ANs could gather together as a community and heal through culture. Because of her dream and desire for change, we are who, what, and where we are today!