Alnes offered seven suggestions for ways that Indian tribes, banks, and the federal government can make financial services more accessible to Native Americans, ultimately improving the quality of life in Indian country. A bank has to want to do business in Indian country. If it doesn't have the desire, or if it's paralyzed by fear, ignorance, or apathy, then 1,000 CRA laws are not going to make it happen. A bank must have patience. Progress doesn't happen overnight.
Trust takes time, commitment, and continuity.
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.