Our mission
Our mission is to advance the economic self-determination and prosperity of Native nations and Indigenous communities through actionable data and research that make substantial contributions to public policy.
Our vision
We envision a future in which resilient and robust Indian Country economies enhance the economic, community, and cultural well-being of Native nations, Indigenous communities, and the United States.
History
After several decades engaging with Native nations, in 2015 the Minneapolis Fed established the Center for Indian Country Development (CICD) in a shift to a nationwide focus on addressing the financial needs and barriers in Indian Country. Early efforts of the newly formed CICD were on early childhood development, housing and homeownership, and education.
Starting in late 2020, the goals and direction of CICD focused on providing independent research, analysis, and data tools that address persistent economic data gaps in Indian Country and shed light on emerging tribal economic prosperity issues.
As a center of excellence within the Federal Reserve System, CICD serves as a connector and objective information source for Indian Country leaders and to policymakers at the federal, state, and tribal levels.
For more background on the Federal Reserve’s work in Indian Country, read the essay The Federal Reserve and Native American Communities: A Brief History by Federal Reserve historian Jonathan Rose.
Our tactics
We engage with Native nations and Indigenous communities, businesses, and organizations to understand their economic conditions and opportunities.
We analyze Indian Country economic data and research to provide data on policy gaps and evidence-based solutions.
We inform economic practitioners and policymakers with credible, objective research that can promote long-term prosperity for Indian Country.
Strategic focus areas
Our research and engagement activities focus on key contributors to economic prosperity and private sector growth. Strategic focus areas include:
- Studying the economic impacts of tribal tax policies and impediments
- Shedding light on the efficacy of Indian Country financing and tax credit policies
- Understanding the contribution of Native enterprises to local and regional economies
- Exploring access to credit and financing in Native communities
- Closing economic data gaps to empower Native peoples and communities to shape their economic futures
Measuring success
We measure our success by answering the following questions:
- Have we advanced the depth and breadth of available Indian Country economic research to inform policy conversations?
- Have we gained new or deeper connections, conversations, relationships, or understanding of our stakeholders that advance meaningful policy dialogue?
- Have we contributed to public policy through actionable research and data?