Our Name has Changed!
Bii Gii Wiin CDLF is now Mni Sota Fund.
Our New Name
When our organization first launched we were called Bii Gii Wiin Community Development Loan Fund. Bii Gii Wiin means Coming Home in Ojibwe. In our early years, this name fit us well, given that our entire focus was on homeownership. As we’ve grown, our work has expanded to include business development, credit building, and financial wellness coaching. In May of 2020, we officially became Mni Sota Fund.
Healing our Land, Honoring our Heritage
Mni Sota Makoce
Mni Sota Makoce, a Dakota phrase that embraces the spirit of "Land where waters reflect the sky," breathes life into the very name of the State of Minnesota. This cherished part of the Dakota language resonates with many, binding us together in shared heritage and a deep love for our ancestral homelands. In embracing the name Mni Sota, we pay homage to our land, not only as the home of our relatives, yet as a profound connection to our past, present, and future.
This video of Chris Mato Nunpa speaking about the phrase “Mni Sota Makoce” was produced as part of the Bdote Memory Map project. Click Here to Learn More. (Mni Sota Fund isn’t associated with the creation of this video.)
Our New Logo
Our Symbolism
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Focused on Growth
Our focus is on the growth of our community. We are here to support and empower our community's journey towards prosperity. As experts in our field, we are dedicated to supporting our clients as they pursue their own personal and financial growth. Just like plants, we believe in constant learning and growth as an organization. When we sought a symbol that captures our mission, it became evident that plants embody the dedication to growth that we strive for in our work.
Together, we cultivate a future of empowerment and hope for all.
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Honoring Interconnectedness
We recognize the beauty and interconnectedness of all beings in the tapestry of indigenous lifeways. Our logo's floral design represents a sacred bond deeply rooted in our heritage. Guided by this vision, and inspired by the strength and resilience of the Anishinaabe and Dakota cultures. Our florals symbolize the vibrancy of our growth and reflective of our history and enduring spirit. Capturing the essence that has shaped our legacy, embracing our power and collective journey towards prosperity.
Together, we nurture a community where possibility flourishs.
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Our Eleven Berries
We pay homage to the eleven Native Nations in Minnesota, including 7 Anishinaabe and 4 Dakota, by honoring and respecting our work with all the Nations from which our people originate. To symbolize this unity, our floral design prominently features 11 berries. Setting us apart from other Native Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), Mni Sota Fund's unique focus extends beyond reservation boundaries to serve the urban Indian community, transcending tribal affiliation.
Together, we uplift and honor our community beyond boundaries.
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Laying the Foundation
In each flower, we purposefully included the seed from which it grew. This serves as a powerful symbol of the seeds we and our clients are planting as we invest in the future of our community. Just as the seed holds the potential for growth and prosperity, we are nurturing the ideas, dreams, and aspirations that will empower our community to thrive. By investing in our collective future, we cultivate a legacy of possibility and abundance.
Together, we sow the seeds of prosperity for generations to come.
