Idaho landscape — mountains and river valley

Indian Cooperative Association Inc. — Idaho

Strengthening Community, Honoring Heritage

Indian Cooperative Association Inc. is a Native-led nonprofit in Fort Hall, Idaho — turning community generosity into practical assistance for Native American families and elders.

"Caring for our people means helping with everyday needs while also supporting culture, dignity, family connections, and hope."

Who We Are

Indian Cooperative Association, Inc. (ICA) is a Native-led nonprofit working to strengthen Native American families and communities in Fort Hall and the surrounding area.

ICA brings people, volunteers, donors, and community partners together to meet immediate needs while building opportunities for the future. A family may need a bed, an elder may need help cleaning their property, or a young person may need encouragement and a positive activity.

Led by President Patazikivaa Perry, Vice Chair Nancy Murillo, Secretary Karessa George, and Treasurer Aleena Hernandez, ICA's strength comes from community relationships, volunteer work, and the willingness of people and businesses to share what they can.

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"Strengthen Native American families and communities through cultural preservation, youth development, education, economic opportunity, food sovereignty, traditional knowledge, advocacy, and community service."

Our Mission

Our Goals

Cultural Preservation

Support elders and knowledge keepers in sharing teachings, language, traditional skills, and cultural practices with younger generations.

Youth Development

Give young people opportunities to participate, learn, work, and feel connected — through mentorship, sports, employment training, and positive activities.

Community Service

Collect and distribute donated furniture, food, and household goods; provide elder cleanup assistance; and support families through advocacy and direct help.

Our Work & Accomplishments

What We Have Done

From the Shilo furniture project to food distribution and youth programs, here is a glimpse of what we have built together.

Shilo furniture project — over 250 beds and household items distributed to tribal members
Shilo furniture project — over 250 beds and household items distributed to tribal members
Cultural arts and traditional knowledge preservation initiatives
Cultural arts and traditional knowledge preservation initiatives
Elder property cleanup — weeds, fencing, tires, and yard safety assistance
Elder property cleanup — weeds, fencing, tires, and yard safety assistance
Youth employment training and mentorship through Big Sass and community programs
Youth employment training and mentorship through Big Sass and community programs
Idaho Sawtooth Mountains — looking ahead

Looking Ahead

A Permanent Home for Our Community

ICA is requesting approximately 20 acres from the tribe in the Fort Hall area for a permanent community center. This long-term vision will grow ICA from individual assistance projects into a lasting community resource.

  • A large storage and distribution building for donated furniture, food, and household supplies
  • An ICA headquarters and meeting space for volunteers, programs, and community gatherings
  • A homeless shelter with a kitchen for people experiencing housing instability
  • An outdoor football field and activity area for youth sports and community events
  • A hogan-style building for church services, funerals, and cultural gatherings
  • A future funeral home to serve Native families and their cultural needs
  • A housing program exploring two- and three-bedroom homes for families

Grants We Are Pursuing

Funding Our Mission

Funding is essential to our mission. We are actively researching and applying for grants that align with our goals.

USDA Rural Development Grant

Researching

Supporting rural cooperative development and economic infrastructure in underserved Indigenous communities.

Administration for Native Americans (ANA)

Applied

Funding for social and economic development projects that promote self-sufficiency for Native American communities.

First Nations Development Institute

Pending

Grants supporting asset building and financial empowerment for Native American organizations and communities.

Join Us in Building a Stronger Future

Whether you are a community member, a funder, or an ally — there is a place for you in our work. Reach out to learn how you can get involved.

Get Involved
Indian Cooperative Association Inc.

A grassroots movement of people standing together to create change, care for our communities, and build a new direction for our Native people and future generations.

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Idaho, United States

© 2026 Indian Cooperative Association Inc. All rights reserved.

Idaho, USA