Bankers have to understand tribal members and tribes just like they would any other customer. They must understand their customs, history, and religion. For example, in South Dakota Norwest sponsored the production of a CD-ROM called Vision Quest for distribution in schools and libraries. It provides the history of the men, women, and the sacred sights of the Dakota nation from a Native American perspective. The staff of banks in or near Indian country have to reflect the culture of the marketplace.
Banks have to hire, train, and retain staff.
In Colorado, South Dakota, and Montana, Norwest has internship and recruiting programs targeted to American Indians. Although there is turnover in staff as many bankers Norwest trains go back to work on the reservation, that is an investment that Norwest feels is well worth making. Bankers and Indian tribes must try to understand each other laws and regulations. Tribes are justifiably proud of their heritage, their sovereignty, and the sacredness of their land. But it takes a non-Indian a long time to understand the richness of this heritage.