Chippewa Cree Tribe Case Study
Internet Commerce: Helping Our PeopleAbout the Chippewa Cree Tribe
The Chippewa Cree Tribe of Montana is a federally recognized Native American tribe with about 7,000 members. The Rocky Boy’s Reservation is continuously overwhelmed by high unemployment rates, limited opportunities, and limited access to essential resources. While some tribes have exponentially benefited from the gaming industry, the remote location of the Rocky Boy’s Reservation in north-central Montana obstructs economic development through gaming. According to the Montana Legislative Services Division 2018 Report, Rocky Boy has a poverty rate of 37.9%
Supporting Economic Growth & Tribal Development
The Chippewa Cree Tribe began making their own opportunities back in 2011 when they launched their installment loan product Plain Green, LLC. Through internet commerce, the Chippewa Cree have provided the members of their tribe countless opportunities including jobs, tribal services, tribal development, and economic growth. The effects are widespread and have proven critical for tribal advancement and the potential opportunities are untold.
The Tribe’s Internet Commerce Initiatives
Budget
Tribal Annual Budgets with Grants, Contracts and Compact Funding as well as Plain Green’s monthly distribution to the tribe.
Employment
Plain Green currently has 114 employees (85 in Rocky Boy and 79 Tribal members); they also provide summer internships to tribally enrolled college students.
Infrastructure
Plain Green has sponsored the renovations to a local daycare playground facility that is open to all community members; they also provide funding to help with costs of the new Chippewa Cree Health Center.
Education
Plain Green annually contributes to primary & secondary education in the form of scholarships, winter jackets, and backpacks for two K-12 school districts and the local Tribal college, Stone Child College.
Social Services
Plain Green donates to their community by lending assistance to eldercare, public safety (law enforcement & fire department), as well as traditional events.
Tribal Services
Plain Green offers Call Center Training programs with help from the local tribal college; provided potable water & firewood during community emergencies.
Internet Commerce & the Future
Internet commerce initiatives do more than just support the basic needs of the Chippewa Cree Tribe; they give the tribe a chance to move beyond fundamental needs for tribal operations and services. For the Chippewa Cree, internet commerce is a legitimate opportunity for economic prosperity. Ultimately, the tribe hopes these initiatives will provide widespread employment for the Chippewa Cree people so that they may become more financially stable and proud of the work they do to provide for their families.
