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The Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco

Native American Initiatives

Recognizing the dynamic correlation between access to credit, homeownership and net worth, the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (FRBSF) embarked on an initiative in 1998 to increase access to credit in Indian Country. The initiative started with seven Sovereign Lending workshops to invite the greater tribal and banking community to share their views on the barriers and solutions to lending in Indian Country. Sovereign Lending task forces were formed out of these workshops to strategize and develop solutions. The task forces, which include representatives from different tribes, financial institutions, government agencies and community-based organizations, have held meetings at over 50 Indian reservations throughout the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Utah.

Below are several articles and links to resources to facilitate access to banking and credit on tribal lands.

Events

  • Banking Opportunities in Indian Country (off-site)
    A national conference to encourage initiatives and partnerships that increase access to credit and capital, and strengthen local economies.
    November 18-20 in Scottsdale, AZ

Resources

  • Sovereign Lending (Community Investments – FRBSF PDF File)
    An overview of the challenges faced by lenders, and the resources available to overcome them. Also provides an overview of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco’s Sovereign Lending initiative.
  • Adopting Commercial Codes: Overcoming Lending Barriers on Reservations (Communities and Banking – FRB Boston PDF File)
    Highlights efforts by some tribes to revise their commercial codes to facilitate lending on tribal lands.
  • Sovereignty: The Strength of Nations - and of Business (Community Reinvestment – FRB Kansas City)
    Defines the concept of sovereignty and how it impacts bank activity on tribal lands.
  • U.S. banks offered historic opportunity in Indian Country (Community Dividend – FRB Minneapolis)
    Provides an overview of the history of economic development in Indian Country and highlights opportunities for bank involvement.
  • HUD’s Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program (Section 184) (off site)
    Provides an overview of the HUD 184 program.
  • Roles and responsibilities for processing the HUD 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program (Community Dividend – FRB Minneapolis)
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    Links to Native American websites
    (All links are off-site)

    National

    Regional

    Media