Through the years ONABEN has always been an active voice advocating for economic development for Indian Country. In 2016, we took that voice and narrowed its view to a specific focus on financial inclusion through participating in an initiative facilitated by Prosperity Now and funded by the Northwest Area Foundation. As a result of this initiative, we worked to develop important messaging through our Real Change campaign that encourages tribes to implement policy that better prepares youth to responsibly manage their minor trust dollars. Specifically, our work through this initiative was designed to improve the financial capability of Native youth so that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed financial decisions.
Our Real Change campaign set the stage for our continued work with tribes as they develop programs that will positively impact and prepare their youth for future success.