Native Americans have long served the United States military with honor and distinction, representing one of the highest per capita service rates among all populations. To recognize their sacrifice and ensure they receive the benefits they’ve earned, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers specialized programs to empower Native American Veterans and their families—including the Native American Direct Loan (NADL) program, a lifeline to homeownership on tribal lands.
For Veterans like David Chee, a Vietnam War Veteran and proud member of the Navajo Nation, the NADL program made a dream possible: owning a home on the land his family has called home for generations.
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Overcoming Obstacles, Building a Future
Chee, who served in the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, parachuted into the jungles of Vietnam during his military service. Years later, with the support of the NADL program, he and his wife Anjelita now enjoy the peace of their twilight years on their tribal lands in Dilkon, Arizona. The journey to homeownership was not without challenges—VA worked hand-in-hand with the couple to address hurdles, such as extending water and electrical lines to their new home.
“The NADL program opened the door for us to come home and spend our twilight years surrounded by our family on the tribal lands we love,” said Chee.
For Native American Veterans like Chee, the NADL program not only provides housing but also represents a pathway to reclaim their heritage and strengthen their communities.
What Is the Native American Direct Loan Program?
The Native American Direct Loan (NADL) program was created in 1992 to assist Native American Veterans in purchasing, building, or refinancing homes on federal trust lands. Through this initiative, VA offers Native American Veterans significant benefits, including:
- Low-interest rates on loans.
- No down payment requirements.
- Limited closing costs.
- No private mortgage insurance (PMI) needed.
To access the NADL program, Native American Veterans must belong to a tribe that has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the VA. Currently, VA has partnered with 114 tribal nations across the country, and the department remains committed to expanding this outreach.
“The responsibility of providing the same benefits to our Native American Veterans and service members is always a top priority,” said John E. Bell III, Executive Director of VA Loan Guaranty Service. “Helping Native American Veterans secure homes and build generational wealth is an honor and a privilege.”
Beyond Federal Trust Land: Options for All Veterans
While the NADL program specifically supports homeownership on tribal trust lands, Native American Veterans who choose to live outside these areas still have access to the VA-guaranteed home loan program. This program is available to all eligible Veterans and service members and offers many of the same benefits, including no down payment and competitive interest rates.
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Why NADL Matters: Creating Pathways to Generational Wealth
Homeownership is a cornerstone of financial stability, offering Veterans and their families a path to build generational wealth. For Native American Veterans, the NADL program ensures that they can invest in homes on ancestral lands while strengthening their tribal communities.
Despite historical challenges, programs like NADL are empowering Native American Veterans to return home, reconnect with their roots, and build a better future for their families.
Learn More and Take the Next Step
Native American Veterans interested in purchasing, building, or refinancing a home on tribal trust land can learn more about the Native American Direct Loan program by visiting the NADL webpage.
Through initiatives like NADL, VA continues to honor the sacrifices of Native American Veterans, ensuring they have the resources, opportunities, and support they deserve to achieve the American dream of homeownership.
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