Fort Hall, Idaho
Our Story
A Native-led nonprofit rooted in Fort Hall, Idaho — turning care into action for families, elders, and youth.
"ICA's purpose is to turn care into action — helping families today while building a stronger future for Native people."
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. ICA's work grows from a simple belief: caring for our people means helping with everyday needs while also supporting culture, dignity, family connections, and hope.
Our Mission
"Strengthen Native American families and communities through cultural preservation, youth development, education, economic opportunity, food sovereignty, traditional knowledge, advocacy, and community service."
What We Do
How We Serve Our Community
Helping Families & Elders
ICA collects and distributes donated furniture, household goods, food, and other useful supplies to people who need them. Through the completed Shilo furniture project, ICA received more than 250 beds along with many other furnishings and household items, helping hundreds of tribal members. ICA has also organized cleanup assistance for elders — including work involving weeds, fencing, tires, and other property needs — helping make homes safer and showing elders that their community cares.
Food Assistance & Community Support
ICA has helped distribute eggs, meat, potatoes, and other food to families in need. The organization is also seeking support for Thanksgiving food, Christmas gifts, and broader assistance throughout the year. Another goal is to raise funds to support free meals at powwows and community gatherings by helping participating food vendors cover their costs.
Youth Development & Opportunity
ICA wants young people to have more opportunities to participate, learn, work, and feel connected to their community. Youth efforts include football support, positive activities, mentorship, and employment training. Through work with Big Sass, young people have had opportunities to learn practical job skills such as teamwork, responsibility, customer service, and food handling.
Culture, Traditional Knowledge & Advocacy
Cultural preservation is central to ICA's mission. The organization supports opportunities for elders and knowledge keepers to share teachings, language, traditional skills, and cultural practices with younger generations. ICA also works to help community members communicate their needs, prepare requests for assistance, and connect with appropriate resources.
Our Leadership
The People Behind ICA
ICA is led by dedicated community members who believe in the power of collective action.
Patazikivaa Perry
President
Patazikivaa Perry leads ICA with a deep commitment to the Fort Hall community and a vision for lasting, self-determined change for Native American families.
Nancy Murillo
Vice Chair
Nancy Murillo supports ICA's leadership and community outreach, helping build the relationships and partnerships that make ICA's work possible.
Karessa George
Secretary
Karessa George keeps ICA organized and accountable, ensuring that records, communications, and coordination reflect the organization's values and commitments.
Aleena Hernandez
Treasurer
Aleena Hernandez brings organizational strength and financial stewardship to ICA, helping ensure resources reach the families and programs that need them most.
Built on Volunteer Commitment
The people doing this work have contributed their time without pay. That volunteer commitment is an important part of ICA's foundation. ICA's strength comes from community relationships, volunteer work, and the willingness of people and businesses to share what they can.
Our Long-Term Vision
A Permanent Community Home in Fort Hall
ICA is requesting approximately 20 acres from the tribe in the Fort Hall area for a permanent center that could support its services. These plans reflect ICA's desire to grow from individual assistance projects into a lasting community resource — requiring land approval, funding, partnerships, and development in stages.
- A large storage and distribution building to protect donated furniture, food, clothing, and household supplies
- An ICA headquarters and meeting space for organizing volunteers, programs, and community gatherings
- A homeless shelter with a kitchen to provide support for people experiencing housing instability
- An outdoor football field and activity area for youth sports, games, and community events
- A hogan-style building for church services, funerals, and gatherings
- A future funeral home to serve Native families and their cultural needs
- A housing program exploring two- and three-bedroom homes to help more families obtain housing
Be Part of the Story
Whether you want to volunteer, donate, or partner with us — your support helps ICA turn care into action for Native families in Fort Hall.
Get Involved