---

The History of the United Native American Housing Association (UNAHA)

A Unified Voice Since 1985

The United Native American Housing Association (UNAHA) was founded in 1985 to create a unified advocacy front for Tribal housing interests across the Northern Plains.

Before the formation of UNAHA, housing advocacy in the region was split between two distinct groups: The Northern Plains Indian Housing Association and The Dakota Territories Indian Housing Association. Recognizing that their challenges—ranging from geographical isolation to federal funding gaps—were shared, the two organizations merged to form a single, powerful collective.

---

Expanding Influence and Advocacy

Since its inception, UNAHA has grown to represent over 30 member Tribes across eight states (Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Utah, and Nevada). This region, known as HUD Regions 3 and 5, contains some of the largest land-based reservations in the United States.

By consolidating its membership, UNAHA secured a seat at the national table, providing delegates to key national bodies including:

• National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC)
• AMERIND Risk

Milestones in Tribal Self-Determination

UNAHA played a pivotal role in the shift toward Tribal sovereignty in housing. The association was a vocal supporter of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA). This landmark legislation fundamentally changed the relationship between Tribes and the federal government by replacing various programs with a single block grant, allowing Tribes to design housing programs that meet their specific cultural and community needs.

Today, UNAHA continues to lead the charge for the reauthorization of NAHASDA, ensuring that the federal government upholds its trust responsibility to provide safe, sanitary, and affordable housing for the roughly 300,000 American Indians served by our member housing entities.

---

Our Legacy of Service

For nearly four decades, UNAHA has served as more than just an advocacy group; it is a center for collaboration and capacity building. Through three annual meetings and ongoing technical assistance, UNAHA ensures that Tribally Designated Housing Entities (TDHEs) have the training and legislative support necessary to thrive.

Our Mission: To provide a collective voice for Tribal housing interests and to support our members in providing safe, decent, and affordable housing for Native American families throughout the Northern Plains.