About Us

Tribally Owned by the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians.

Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians - brief history:

The citizens of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians (Tribe) are the people of northern Los Angeles County. After thousands of years, foreign powers began colonization in the late 1770s with the arrival of the Spanish followed by the establishment of Mexico and the United States. Despite settler colonization, the Tribe continues to operate as a tribal community.The Native Americans that were taken to the Mission originally inhabited the villages originating in the Simi, San Fernando, Santa Clarita, and Antelope Valleys. The Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians is comprised of the descendants of that historical tribe of Fernandeños. For more information on the tribe click here.

Native First Lending, LLC

Native First Lending, LLC was established by the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians (FTBMI) in 2022. We exist to create economic growth and opportunity in some of our nation's most distressed communities. Our tailored resources and innovative programs invest federal dollars alongside private sector capital with a mission-driven focus on supporting economically disadvantaged communities.

This is the only tribally operated Lending Organization in the County of Los Angeles. With over 25 years of collective business and community engagement experience, FTBMI has successfully met the needs of many and managed millions in private, municipal, state, and Federal contracting revenue.

Meet the Team!

Both employees of Native First Lending are FTBMI Tribal Citizens.

Raymond Salas

Executive Director

Raymond established and formulated the corporation. Today, he’s responsible for general corporate oversight and day-to-day operations, including but not limited to developing and driving the company’s operational objectives, fiscal policies, general corporate compliance, business development, marketing, branding and imaging, and overall mission and vision strategic objectives. Concurrently, Raymond is driving licensing and fundraising efforts through grant submissions and endowment requests. Notable accomplishments: Associate in Arts degree, 2000 Los Angeles Valley College Realtor, residential and commercial (2011 to Present)

Itati Ortega

Executive Assistant

Provides vital support to the Executive Director and the Board of Directors. Responsibilities include but are not limited to project and task-oriented coordination and management, research, calendaring, marketing, phone, and clerical support. In addition, Itati drives new media development, implementation, and campaigns, including but not limited to web support. Currently, she is attending ASU to get her Bachelor's in Business Management and Administration Degree.