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Native American Indian Center of Central Ohio (NAICCO) Story

One Bexley Real Talk Community Conversations

Learn about the Native American Indian Center of Central Ohio (NAICCO) history, the work NAICCO is doing around Ohio, and what it means to be Native American in today's day and age.

Masami Smith and Ty Smith from the Native American Indian Center of Central Ohio (NAICCO) lead this month's One Bexley Real Talk Community Conversation to celebrate Native American Heritage Month. Learn about NAICCO's history and current work including their Outdoors and Land Back programs, as well as what it means to be Native American in today's day and age.

About the Presenters

Masami Smith, NAICCO Executive Director, and Ty Smith, NAICCO Project Director, manage the affairs at NAICCO today. Both are tribally enrolled members of The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs (Oregon); where they were both born and raised. Together, they have chosen to combine their life experiences and education to seek out the best possible ways to give back to their Native People, both in Ohio and around Indian Country.

Since 2011, they have had the honor and responsibility of serving as directors at NAICCO. Over the years, they have not only helped maintain the legacy of NAICCO, but they have also revitalized the agency into that of a sound urban Indian center in Ohio. Together, they have been able to positively impact the lives of countless Native American individuals and families. Today, they continue to hold steadfast to their mission work of preserving and restoring balance in the lives of their Native People through traditional, cultural, educational, family, community, and wellness driven values and initiatives—which can be witnessed through NAICCO Outdoors programs and Land Back NAICCO.

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