Consumer Protection in Native Communities
In an effort to combat predatory lending and effect change at the federal, state and tribal policy level, First Nations has conducted two groundbreaking studies of predatory lending in Native American communities. The results show that predatory lending is a growing problem for Indians, who generally lack access to lending institutions for a variety of reasons. Based on our studies, First Nations has recommended that tribal nations act to combat predatory lending by:
- Providing financial and consumer education programs,
- Developing credit programs and borrowing opportunities that reduce the demand for predatory loans and help to repair credit, and
- Adopting interest rate caps and other consumer protection laws.
In 2008, First Nations Development Institute released “Borrowing Trouble: Predatory Lending in Native American Communities,” a report detailing the predatory practices of lenders that target Native American communities. This landmark report is the result of a research study conducted by First Nations and funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. First Nations presented testimony on “Predatory Lending and its Impact on Native American Communities” at a hearing before the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on June 5, 2008. The testimony is available in our Knowledge Center.
To learn more about predatory lending, visit our Knowledge Center.
Building Trust: Consumer Protection in Native Communities
Building Trust: Consumer Protection in Native Communities is the first attempt to explore the complex legal dynamics related to tribal consumer protection legislation and to discuss what tribal nations are already doing to combat predatory lending through the use of tribal legislation. This report also highlights issues that tribal leaders should consider in developing legal and regulatory tools to combat predatory lending.
To learn more about Consumer Protection in Native Communities, visit our Knowledge Center
