Much of our major business and personal spending is done in the urban centres and is not tax exempt. For every dollar we spend in our community at least nine dollars is spent elsewhere to purchase food, clothing, school supplies, cars, trucks, major appliances and other households items. Bands spend all of their capital dollars elsewhere to purchase construction, electrical and plumbing supplies, office furnishings, equipment and supplies. We do our banking at the major banks.

Reserve land cannot be used as collateral for business or other loans. Neither the Band nor the individual can hold title to land. We have to await approval from the Indian Affairs Minister in order to hold land on reserve, lawfully. Trying to develop on reserve is a lengthy process many developers do not wish to even deal with.