Independent Banker - November 2022 - 55

projects on Native lands throughout
the United States, Ogaard says.
" Everything from office buildings to
healthcare centers; it simply depends
on what the need is, " Ogaard says.
" Healthcare seems to be a significant
focus these days, and we're involved
in clinic expansions, an elder care
facility and other types of healthcare
improvements that are going on
reservations throughout the country. "
A financial literacy foundation
Another important role Native
American banks play is helping
residents of their communities
projects and talk to tribal leaders
throughout the country, we're asking
them what is it that they need and
how can we help with that need. It's
not simply a transaction for us; it is
building a relationship. "
Pape also believes in the value
of face-to-face financial education.
Chickasaw Community Bank hosts
workplace education for employees
of the Chickasaw Nation, and bank
staff attend tribal events to educate
members about home or commercial
loan programs.
" We try to be involved with the
family of companies owned by
Chickasaw Nation and
educate employees
of those entities
on programs that
may be available to
them as Chickasaw
employees and/or
as Native Americans
in general, " Pape
says. " And we are
sponsoring an
event to do family
personal financial
education nights
and seminars at the
Native American
charter school. "
Native American
become financially savvy consumers.
Ogaard says that many tribal
entities and individuals have not
previously had access to financial
services and may be intimidated
by the prospect of approaching a
bank. To help alleviate that, Native
American Bank created a section on
its website called Finance 101, which
provides a structured set of lessons
on topics ranging from building a
financial foundation and buying a
home to preparing for retirement.
" We're just trying to take some
of that mystique out of it and let
them know that it's not as difficult
as it may appear, " Ogaard says. " And
certainly, from our perspective, it's
a conversation that we want to have
with them. Then, as we do particular
communities face many financial and
social struggles, from inadequate
housing to high unemployment to
financial illiteracy. Fortunately, the
community banks that serve them
help address those issues and aid
them in realizing their potential.
" Lumbee Guaranty Bank was
formed specifically to serve the
underserved Native population, "
Chavis says.
" And I think, in fulfilling our
mission over the last almost 51
years now, we have definitely made
a difference in the lives and financial
well-being of our Native folks here,
as well as in the communities that
we serve. " 
Ed Avis is a writer in Illinois.
independentbanker.org Q 55
Left: Chickasaw Community Bank regularly
volunteers with Habitat for Humanity. Last
year, it sponsored and dedicated a home to
someone in need.
CRA changes
affect nativeowned
banks
Recent proposed changes to
the Community Reinvestment
Act may affect lending
on Native lands, says
Mickey Marshall, director
of regulatory legal affairs
for ICBA.
" The new interagency
proposal would recognize
activities in Native land
areas for CRA credit on
the proposed Community
Development Financing
Test when those activities
are 'related to revitalization,
essential community
facilities, essential
community infrastructure,
and disaster preparedness
and climate resiliency that
are specifically targeted to
and conducted in Native land
areas,' " Marshall says.
" This new definition
broadens the geographic
eligibility for earning CRA
credits in Native land
areas, while still keeping
a focus on ensuring that
loans and investments are
targeted towards the benefit
of low- and moderateincome
residents. "
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