WWII Navajo Code Talkers, 2012 (Photo: USDA)
A VA program aims to help Native American Veterans in purchasing, refinancing or building residences on trust land.
The Veterans Benefits Administration’s, VBA, Loan Guaranty Service, LGY, intends to help meet the needs of Native American Veterans seeking to construct, buy, or refinance homes on federal trust land through the Native American Direct Loan, NDL, program.
During World War I in 1917, over 12,000 Native Americans volunteered for frontline duties such as sniping and scouting. Many today are unaware that these individuals risked their lives for a country that hadn’t yet granted them citizenship, which they sought through their service. During World War II, “Navajo Code Talkers” used the Navajo language to send coded messages that would confuse the enemy and prevent them from being intercepted. Native Americans have continued to serve in the military in various roles since then, with a higher per capita representation than any other demographic.
“We owe it to Native American Veterans to do everything we can to open the door to the American Dream for them and their families,” said the Executive Director of LGY, John E. Bell III. “We will remain steadfastly committed to informing all tribal nations about the NADL benefit.”
Established in 1992, the NADL program has progressively expanded, allowing for more Native American Veterans to become homeowners. Benefits of the NADL program include exemption from down payments and private mortgage insurance, as well as minimal closing costs and access to low-interest loans.
Native American Veterans interested in the NADL program must ensure their tribe has a Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, with the VA. LGY has collaborated closely with tribal leaders to sign 111 MOUs.
The NADL team conducts an active outreach program each year, engaging with tribal communities to raise awareness of the program’s benefits and assist in MOU development. In March 2023, LGY reduced the NADL interest rate to 2.5% until March 2025, addressing the main obstacle to program participation—affordability on federal trust land.
For further information on the VA’s Native American Direct Loan program, visit the program’s website.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
