Depending upon the community, there are convenience stores, gas stations, churches, nursing homes, libraries, auto repair shops, or other commercial enterprises, such as beauty parlors, lumber mills, banks, construction companies or even a shopping mall on the land and a few Iroquois advertise crafts for sale at small shops or at their homes. Smoke shops and Bingo halls are also becoming familiar at some communities. Some have culture centers and museums. The standard of living on reservation is generally below that of the surrounding white communities. Quite a few are on welfare.
Unemployment is a serious problem.
Elementary school education is often given on the reservation. High school students have to travel to white schools off the reservation. Increasing numbers go on to college and graduate school. At many reservations, Iroquois have built and are building libraries, health centers, cultural centers, museums, and sports and recreation centers staffed by Iroquois. Sports such as lacrosse and hockey are strongly supported.