Building Generational Wealth in Indigenous Communities

The specific challenge within the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians community and in Indigenous communities throughout Indian Country is the mismanagement of individual financial resources despite successful tribal gaming operations and thriving economic statuses. 

Within the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians alone, more than 16,000 tribal members are affected by issues surrounding the distribution of per capita and the minors trust fund. 

Globally, financial literacy is a widespread issue, affecting individuals across different socioeconomic backgrounds. This is particularly true in Indigenous communities, where research has shown that an average of 55% of tribal members throughout the United States have no savings. 

It is important to relay how some of the contributing factors to the mismanagement of financial resources relates to UWENA's solution. These contributing factors include limited access to resources, complexity of financial management, technological advancements, and a lack of entrepreneurial support. By addressing these factors, UWENA's solutions aim to bridge the gaps in financial literacy, digital literacy, and entrepreneurial support to empower community members to overcome challenges and thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. 

Our solution is to meet people where they are with the resource(s) they understand the best and can put into practice. It can be one resource, or a variety of resources, carefully curated and working in a complimentary fashion to meet individual needs of our participants. The solution puts meaningful, financial education resources into the hands of community members who might not have access to those resources otherwise. It delivers those resources individually or through the support of a community - depending on the learning needs of the individual. The solution is recognizing there is no one solution to changing the way our community thinks about building wealth, generational wealth, and community wealth - and conversely how they think about poverty, scarcity, and having to go without. 

We recognize that both multi-generational poverty and multi-generational wealth involve the family - multiple generations of the family. If we are going to change the face of wealth in our community, create opportunity, promote equity, and achieve economic sovereignty, the solution must focus on the family and providing resources at every age. The solution is not just providing a resource, it is providing access to resources and the knowledge to put those resources into practice. We have seen in practice that if grandpa didn't know, chances are dad didn't know, and if dad didn't know he could not teach me. What grandma did, my mom did, and now I am doing things just like my mom. Cycles of poverty or cycles of wealth, we tend to practice what we saw practiced in our homes. To break those cycles of poverty and build cycles of wealth, we have to provide resources but we must also provide space, tools, and opportunity to put the resources into practice. 

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians are a blessed people. Our homelands are located in the heart of our ancestral territory and we have maintained a continuous - albeit threatened - existence in this place. Having a sense of place and being of this place is central to who we are as native peoples. Having the opportunity to live, learn, earn, and thrive in this community is a blessing, and unfortunately it is not something that all native peoples can experience. The question becomes how we take our privilege and build something that is meaningful to our people - and to all Indigenous Peoples. We believe that this can be done by building a replicable framework, rooted in our core values as Cherokee People (and Indigenous Peoples) that others can experience, adopt, and make their own to benefit their Indigenous Communities. 

It is important that we start this project among our own people, to build up our community, and then share our abundance with others as we are taught to do as Cherokee People. Our board, staff, and volunteers all consist of Indigenous Peoples with their own diverse experiences related to our programming and offerings. Each will offer unique perspectives as we seek to be a resource navigator, provider, and practice leader in our community. At each step along the way, we are also documenting our progress - what works, what doesn't, what we wish we knew that we didn't, what we wish we had that we didn't, can we build it, can we find it, can we create it.

There will be both solutions and challenges that emerge as we embark on this journey to work collaboratively to build generational community wealth, but we have the strength, knowledge, wisdom, and spirits of generations of Cherokee before us to achieve our goals. 

Just as Cherokee People are of this place, we are of the Cherokee People. We have deeply rooted historical, cultural, and family connections to this community. We live within, raise our families within, and work within this community. We are connected to the government, to the school system, to non-profit organizations, to churches, to families, to individuals, to businesses, to resources, to networks, and most importantly we are connected to the work. We have a vision for what this community could look like for our children, and our grandchildren, and our great-grandchildren - seven generations ahead. We have been fortunate to be able to provide our people with significant financial resources as a tribal nation and we must shift our focus to how those resources can be sustained through future generations. 

Our work began by observation and being proximate to the issues and challenges that came with unprecedented resource creation within our community. We were witness to the consequences of resource extraction without proper mitigation and contingency plans, and the struggles that ensue. And then our work shifted to conversation and collecting feedback from those who were impacted, those with their own negative experiences or positive experiences. Those who say "look what I did" and those who say "don't do what I did" - and learning from them. Our work to date has consisted of conducting a community-wide assessment centered on storytelling - as in the Cherokee way - and allowing our people to share their stories, their experiences, beliefs, and actions. We used these stories to inform our work - the what, the when, and the how. What are the resources our people need access to? When is the best time to get these resources to them? And how do we support our people putting these resources into practice?

The community-wide needs assessment will impact not only the resources we make available to our community based on their input, but will also shape the organization that we will become. We have been mindful not to identify our organization as "the solution" or "the capacity" or as having all the answers. Our aim is to learn alongside our community, create space for learning, to provide access to resources, to meet people where they are, to provide tools based on how people learn best, and to promote putting resources into practice to build generational community wealth within the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians through education, outreach, and resources in financial literacy, digital literacy, and entrepreneurial support. 

Our leaders have built employee financial wellness programs, youth financial literacy programming, small businesses, non-profits, operating systems, and more. Most of all, our leaders have built reputations for being trusted advisors in our community. We have built Uwena as an organization from the ground up aimed at doing great things with big impact in our community for generations to come. 

In their roles as tribal administrators, our leaders built a robust employee financial wellness program that served 25 participants per quarter for the last three years. This program provides financial literacy resources, in-person instruction, web-based supports, and matched savings. We know that employees living paycheck to paycheck, with worries of how they will provide essentials for their families generally have lower productivity and efficiency in their work. To address employee financial wellness we introduced a program to provide resources to employees around creating emergency savings, eliminating high-interest debt, improving credit scores, establishing financial goals and household budgets, eliminating unused subscriptions, and improving knowledge of banking products to avoid high fees, and more. 

The result was 90%+ of participants the matched savings incentive by completing the program and creating their own $500 emergency fund. It was so successful that members of the general public who are not employees began to ask “how do we participate” and youth began to ask “can we do something similar” to enable better decision making around our tribe’s casino gaming trust fund for minor members. Many in our community had witnessed tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars wasted because they lacked the resources, knowledge and practice of making wise financial decisions. 

In the summer of 2024 we will launch a community-wide financial needs assessment to gain a better understanding of how our people learn, what they want to learn about managing financial resources, and how we can help them put this new knowledge into practice. We’ve built a robust assessment framework that will allow us to report out on community needs and building programming and solutions to meet those needs. 

There are many resources and many valuable tools out there that promote and support financial literacy, financial wellness, and financial resiliency. Banks have products. Schools have curriculums. For-profits and non-profits have programs. What they lack is the ability to speak to subtle nuisances that come from living and working in tribal communities. You cannot build equity, for example, in a home on tribal lands. Homeownership, while important, is not the same on tribal lands as it is on non-tribal lands. Tribal members living and working on tribal lands are exempt from state taxes. Some tribes, like ours, make direct payments to tribal members that are subject to federal tax. Some tribes, like ours, also make direct payments to tribal members that are not subject to federal tax. All of these nuances make a big difference in how one teaches financial literacy in tribal communities. 

Together, we can solve for those tribal “gaps” in financial literacy programs. Financial capital is needed to make this project work. But equally important to this project is the human, social, and intellectual capital that can be contributed to building a program like ours with the support of Solve. We know that meeting people where they are will mean meeting people face-to-face, one-on-one and in group settings. It will also likely mean that we will need to solve for building a custom web-based module. And it will likely mean that we also need to solve for creating a community-based app that puts resources at the fingertips of youth and young adults. It will mean connecting people with mentors to problem solve financial matters, work through pros and cons on major purchases, and in some instances get a second opinion from a trusted advisor. 

This is an issue worth solving and where the solution will have a tremendous impact for generations. 

Cory Blankenship is an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and has 15+ years of experience at a director level or above in tribal government, as well as nonprofits and entrepreneurial endeavors. 

This project will support technology and skill development for a future-ready workforce. It will also encourage successful entrepreneurship on the Cherokee Indian Reservation that will lead to a more vibrant and diverse economy, as well as provide financial education and outreach to help make financial literacy education an integral element of how the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and other tribal communities prepare the next generation for responsibility and success. 

Through the development of and access to financial literacy, digital literacy, and entrepreneurial education resources such as applications and workbooks, UWENA will provide Indigenous Peoples, particularly Indigenous Youth to be more successful in the management of their finances and entrepreneurial goals.

Uwena's impact goals for its solution are focused on building multi-generational wealth in tribal communities throughout Indian Country, particularly by empowering Indigenous youth with financial management practices. Here's how we define and measure our progress toward these goals: 

Empowering Indigenous Youth

Uwena's primary goal is to empower Indigenous youth with the knowledge and skills necessary for financial management. We aim to measure this through the number of youth engaged in our programs, levels of participation, and their understanding of financial concepts before and after our engagements.

Community Feedback

Uwena will gather feedback from community members through surveys and 1:1 interviews to understand their needs, challenges, and aspirations regarding financial management and responsibility. The amount of responses gathered, as well as the qualitative insights gained, will help us tailor our resources effectively. 

Resource Development

Uwena will create workbooks, toolkits, and other resources based on community feedback to provide a deeper understanding of financial management practices. We will then measure progress in resource development by tracking the completion of these materials and their alignment with community needs.

Post-Engagement Analyses

The success of our organization will be determined through post-engagement analysis and evaluations. We will assess the improvements individuals and the overall community have made in their financial literacy and management skills. We will track changes in financial behaviors, savings rates, debt management, and other relevant indicators. 

Contribution to Future Success

Uwena aims to contribute to the long-term success of Indigenous communities by fostering financial empowerment. We will measure our impact by tracking the extend to which our efforts have contributed to improved economic outcomes, increased savings, reduced debt, and other measures of financial well-being over a period of time.

By measuring these key indicators, Uwena will be able to assess the effectiveness of its programs and resources in achieving its mission of building multi-generational wealth in tribal communities. 

The core technology that powers Uwena's solution is a comprehensive data analytics platform combined with community engagement tools. 

Data Analytics Platform

We utilize a robust data analytics platform to analyze community feedback gathered through surveys and 1:1 interviews. This platform allows us to identify common themes, challenges, and aspirations related to financial management within Indigenous communities. By analyzing this data, we can tailor our resources and programs to meet the specific needs of each community. 

Community Engagement Tools

Our solution includes various community engagement tools such as surveys and 1:1 interview protocols. These tools enable us to gather feedback directly from community members, ensuring that our resources and programs are both relevant and responsive to their concerns and needs. Additionally, these tools facilitate ongoing communication and collaboration with community members, fostering a sense of ownership and investment in the solutions that we provide. 

By leveraging these technologies, Uwena can effectively gather insights, develop tailored resources, and measure the impact of its efforts towards building multi-generational wealth in tribal communities. 

Western North Carolina - Cherokee Indian Reservation

Uwena's work is initially focused on our homeplace, the Cherokee Indian Reservation in Western North Carolina. However, we aspire to expand our efforts to all tribal communities in the United States as our organization grows. Our goal is to empower Indigenous communities, starting from our roots and extending our impact to support the prosperity of Indigenous Peoples nationwide. 

Uwena is a nonprofit organization with a five-member Board of Directors that consists of an Executive Director, Executive Advisor, Chairwoman, Vice-Chairwoman, and Secretary. 

Uwena was created in 2023 and our work began shortly afterwards. As of April 2024, we have been working diligently on our solution by focusing on building a properly structured organization, appointing capable board members, and developing necessary resources to begin our work. Our efforts have been ongoing to ensure that we are well-prepared to serve our community and others effectively and establish a lasting impact.

At Uwena, diversity and inclusivity are core values that guide our team dynamics and operations. We ensure diversity in our team by recruiting professionals from various fields of work and educational backgrounds, representing a wide range of perspectives and expertise. For example, our team includes individuals with backgrounds in finance, education, community development, and more.

Moreover, we prioritize minimizing barriers to opportunity for our staff. Three of our team members are mothers who are deeply passionate about empowering their children and all younger generations for future community success. We understand the importance of supporting working parents and those going through personal trials and tribulations. Through our support, board members are typically able to remain fully engaged in our mission while balancing responsibilities at home.

Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all team members is fundamental to our culture. As Indigenous Peoples, we foster an atmosphere of respect, open communication, and collaboration, where everyone's contributions are valued. 

Ultimately, despite our diverse backgrounds and experiences, we share the same goal of building generational community wealth. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion strengthens our team and enhances our ability to serve Indigenous communities effectively. 

UWENA operates on a sustainable business model that prioritizes community impact and financial empowerment. Our model encompasses several key elements:

Service Provision

We offer a range of services aimed at building multi-generational wealth in tribal communities, with a focus on financial education and empowerment. These services include workshops, training sessions, and the development of resources such as workbooks and toolkits.

Community Engagement

Our approach is rooted in community engagement. We gather feedback through surveys and 1:1 interviews to understand the specific needs and challenges of Indigenous communities. This ensures that our services are tailored to meet their unique circumstances.

Data Analytics

We utilize a comprehensive data analytics platform to analyze community feedback and measure the impact of our programs. This allows us to continuously improve our services and track progress towards our goals.

Diverse Team

 Our team consists of professionals from various fields and backgrounds, including finance, education, and community development. This diversity enables us to offer a wide range of expertise and perspectives to our clients.

Expansion

 While our work initially began in the Cherokee Indian Reservation in Western North Carolina, our long-term vision is to expand our efforts to all tribal communities in the United States and potentially First Nations in Canada as our organization grows. This expansion will allow us to reach more Indigenous peoples and further our mission of building generational community wealth.

Overall, our business model is designed to create positive social impact while ensuring the sustainability and scalability of our organization. By combining community engagement, data analytics, and a diverse team, we are able to deliver effective solutions that empower Indigenous communities for generations to come.

Our plan for becoming financially sustainable at UWENA involves a multifaceted approach that leverages diverse funding sources, strategic partnerships, and efficient resource allocation. Here's an overview of our strategy:

Diversified Funding Sources

 We seek funding from various sources, including grants, donations, sponsorships, and fee-for-service arrangements. By diversifying our revenue streams, we reduce dependence on any single source of funding and increase our financial stability.

Grant Funding

 We actively pursue grants from government agencies, foundations, and philanthropic organizations that support initiatives related to Indigenous financial empowerment, community development, and education. These grants provide essential funding for our programs and operations.

Donors and Sponsorships

 We engage with individual donors, corporate sponsors, and community partners who share our mission and values. Through fundraising campaigns, events, and outreach efforts, we cultivate relationships with donors and sponsors to secure ongoing support for our work.

Strategic Partnerships

We collaborate with other nonprofit organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, and businesses to leverage resources, share expertise, and expand our reach. These partnerships allow us to access additional funding opportunities, extend our impact, and enhance the sustainability of our programs.

Efficient Resource Allocation

 We prioritize efficient resource allocation to ensure that our expenses align with our mission and strategic objectives. This includes prudent budgeting, careful monitoring of expenditures, and strategic investments in program delivery, staff development, and organizational capacity building.

By continuously evaluating and adjusting our approach, UWENA aims to achieve long-term financial sustainability while maximizing our impact in empowering Indigenous communities.