Improving Financial Literacy

for Native AmericansMark Macarro

Improving Financial Literacy for Native

Americans

The Capitol Weekly blog twice named Mark Macarro to its Who's Who list in

California politics as a result of his efforts to win public acceptance for tribal

gaming. As the tribal chairman of the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians,

Mark Macarro represents the interests of Native Americans in several

organizations, among them the National Congress of American Indians

(NCAI), which sponsors several programs for social improvement.

Improving Financial Literacy for Native

Americans

Other positive efforts are underway. Community development financial

institutions, such as credit unions and banks, offer educational programs

focused on credit counseling, home buying, and small business loans. They

also provide tax preparation services and individual development savings

accounts.

Improving Financial Literacy for Native

Americans

One such program is the Native Financial Education Coalition (NFEC). The

NFEC recognizes the financial challenges faced by many Native

Americans, including lack of access to mainstream banks and other

institutions. Young people also need assistance to gain critical financial

literacy. The NFEC recently asked its partners to suggest areas of

concentration, and the responses showed a strong interest in cooperation

among partners to study best practices, increase public awareness, and

enhance communities' public health.