Founded in 1995 by David W. Bland and Marianne Roos, Travois exists to support Indigenous clients as they build affordable housing and grow their economies. While this is not a Native-owned organization, they feel, “It is imperative that we steadfastly acknowledge this context and continually educate ourselves about the realities faced by those we serve.” Since 1995, Travois has helped 111 Native organizations develop more than $1.8 billion in housing and economic development projects. This includes nearly 6,300 new or rehabilitated homes. Travois makes an effort to work with nearby Native Nations in Kansas. Elizabeth Bland Glynn, executive director, said, “Whether it is designing beautiful housing, developing businesses and community infrastructure, or advocating for Tribal sovereignty, we want to help Native Nations achieve their goals.”

Featured in the November 11, 2023 issue of The Independent.