In South Dakota, Montana, and Colorado, for instance, we have minority internship and recruiting programs targeted to American Indians. Of course, we've experienced some turnover as many of the bankers we train go back to work on the reservation, but that's an investment worth making as well. Fifth, bankers and Indian tribes have to commit to try to understand each other's laws and regulations. For example, in South Dakota, a Norwest lawyer we assigned to collections work is now president of the Tribal Law Association on the Rosebud reservation. In the same way, Native Americans need to take the time to understand how a bank works.
Banks are in the business of lending their customers' deposits.
What banks value most is safety, soundness, and certainty of payment. One reason the Navajo have made progress with banks and other businesses is they've adopted a commercial code that works for the Navajo, banks, and other businesses. Sixth, Indian tribes, banks, and the federal government all need to be more flexible. Sometimes regulations and government agencies prevent banks from making creative loans we know can work. Banks need elbow room to make creative loans without compromising safety and soundness.