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Researchers have said Native Americans are still overlooked in many ways, including their economic strengths but some business leaders are paying attention, with an effort closely tied to the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest celebrating a full decade of collecting data.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis this month observed the 10th anniversary of the Center for Indian Country Development. An event featured a range of panelists, with some having roots in South Dakota.

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Dawson Her Many Horses, managing director at Wells Fargo and enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, said if big banks have more detailed information, they are likely to give tribal communities a stronger look.

"We need that data to kind of show the people who aren't as familiar with us and who have capital that Indian Country is a great place to invest in," Her Many Horses explained.

He acknowledged there is a belief borrowers in tribal communities are not reliable in repaying their loans but he notes data show lower default rates when Native customers are served by Community Development Financial Institutions. The experts said it is because the lenders can build strong relationships with clients and provide free financial counseling.

Her Many Horses underscored people might assume tribal economies are limited to certain industries, such as gaming but he insisted it is not the case.

"You can't really put a tribe in a box," Her Many Horses emphasized. "You can't put a tribe in a credit box."

Economists said tribal areas are investing more in broadband technology, as well as solar development.

For individual consumers, the Minneapolis Fed previously reported Native Americans pay more for home loans than white borrowers on average. Business leaders said it is important information to know when a developer or bank plans to finance housing projects in a tribal area.