November 1, 2024

​

The month of November is Native American Heritage Month, a time when the nation honors the culture, contributions, traditions and languages of Indigenous peoples in the United States. Whether we realize it or not, many individuals within the communities we serve likely have deep connections to their Native American heritage.

 

Credit unions can benefit by learning more about the Indigenous history of their communities and finding ways to strengthen services and collaborations with Native Americans. Providing learning opportunities for staff on local Native cultures, sponsoring cultural events, and fostering respectful collaborations throughout the year are ways to build cultural, economic, and social resilience of the entire community.

 

However, many tribal areas face poor quality infrastructure including inadequate water, electricity, sanitation and heating or cooling systems, along with limited internet connectivity.  These conditions contribute to a lower quality of life for Native Americans and reduce access to the resources needed to improve their situations.  A 2023 report from the National Community Reinvestment Coalition found that variations of redlining – also known as the practice of denying creditworthy applicants housing loans in specific neighborhoods - still exists in many tribal areas. While Indigenous communities have demonstrated resilience and determination, significant gaps remain to be addressed.

 

Here are some ways credit unions can explore opportunities to build trust with local Native American communities and organizations, making pathways to homeownership and a better quality of life more accessible:

​

• Collaborations with Tribal Organizations: Partner with local tribal organizations and ask them to share their community’s most pressing concerns. This collaboration should also include volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, allowing your credit union to maintain a presence at tribal events throughout the year.  

​

• Customizing Products and Services: After learning about the local Native American community’s challenges, tailor loans and savings products to meet their short-, medium- and long-term needs. For example, offer green loans to assist with winterizing homes or provide loan debt consolidation options to help families manage medical expenses.

​

• Representation and Diversity: Increase diversity of staff by recruiting individuals with Native American heritage, emphasizing your credit union’s commitment to reflecting the community’s diversity. Work with local tribes to develop visual or textual land acknowledgements to display in your branches and use during special events.

​

• Advocacy and Support: Make donations to organizations that preserve Native American heritage and address contemporary challenges. Examples include nonprofits promoting healthcare and housing initiatives for Native communities or offering scholarships for Native American students.

 

By learning from and collaborating with Native American communities, credit unions can foster meaningful relationships that promote mutual trust and long-term economic growth. Tailoring products to meet the specific needs of Indigenous communities, increasing representation, and supporting cultural initiatives are key steps toward building more inclusive financial services. While challenges such as limited infrastructure and lingering inequities remain, credit unions have a unique opportunity to advocate for positive change and create pathways to financial security and homeownership for Native Americans. Through sustained efforts and year-round engagement, credit unions can make a lasting impact on both Native communities and the broader community they serve.

​