Founded in 1975 by Selma Sully-Walker, the Native American Indian Center of Central Ohio (NAICCO) has grown from humble beginnings into a thriving intertribal community hub serving Columbus, OH. What began as a grassroots effort to provide job placement and support services for Native Americans has evolved into a comprehensive cultural and wellness organization that honors the legacy of its pioneering founder while serving contemporary Native communities. NAICCO exists to preserve and restore balance in the lives of Native Americans through programming grounded in traditional teachings, cultural values, and community-centered care. The organization recognizes that many Native People in Ohio live far from their ancestral territories, and NAICCO intentionally creates a welcoming space where individuals and families can experience genuine belonging, strengthen their identity, and access the support they need. Under the current leadership of Masami and Ty Smith, both from The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, NAICCO has deepened its commitment to authentic Indigenous programming while maintaining the compassion and dedication that Selma modeled throughout her life. The center operates with a holistic approach to wellbeing, interlacing identity, pride, family, community, history, culture, traditions, and connection to place. By holding space for Native voices and experiences in Columbus, NAICCO strengthens the healing journey of its community members while fostering visibility, pride, and harmony. The organization's recognition as one of The Columbus Foundation's five nonprofits to watch in 2024 reflects its meaningful impact and continued revitalization of Native American life in Ohio.
Columbus, OH