HONOLULU, HI - Bay Mills Housing Authority Executive Director Cheryl Parish was named Vice Chairman of the National American Indian Housing Council on Wednesday, May 24 at their annual convention. Parish, who has been the secretary for the NAIHC since 1998, was selected to the two-year term by her nine fellow peers on the council.
"This means an increased responsibility," Parish said of her selection. "I wouldn't be able to do it without the support of the tribal council and my wonderful, supportive staff. It's a lot of work."
The NAIHC, which was founded in 1974, is the only national organization representing housing interests of tribes and tribal housing entities in the United States. Boasting 257 voting members, representing 458 Indian tribes and Alaskan natives and Hawaiians, the NAIHC is currently the largest housing organization in the country. They offer such services as training in many areas of Indian housing management, on-site technical assistance to Indian housing professionals, research and information services on housing issues and programs, advocacy for greater housing opportunities for Native Americans and a mortgage policy program to increase homeownership in tribal areas.
As a member of the NAIHC, Parish said she would continue to work on housing legislation through Congress. She testified twice recently, in front of both the House and Senate, about housing conditions and the need for economic development in Indian Country. While the difference between her role as secretary and now as vice chairman won't change much, per se, Parish said she would continue to strive towards achieving her ultimate goal - making other reservations as beautiful as Bay Mills.
"Our rez' is beautiful compared to some of the others I have seen," Parish said. "There are some that are Third World conditions, with no electricity or running water. My ultimate goal is to see them be like ours."
