By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News
The Tulalip Tribes reached another historic milestone on September 30, when Native American Bank (NAB) officially opened its first branch in the Pacific Northwest, right in the heart of Tulalip’s economic corridor. Located between the bustling Tulalip Resort Casino and Quil Ceda Village’s growing hub of tribal businesses, the new branch represents more than just convenience. It marks a bold step toward strengthening tribal financial sovereignty and supporting Native-led economic development across the region.
For Tulalip, the partnership demonstrates the growing alignment between tribal leadership’s vision for economic self-determination and NAB’s mission of providing Native communities with access to financial services, lending, and long-term investment.
Tulalip Tribes Chairwoman Teri Gobin called the day “an awesome day,” and spoke from the heart about what the new branch means for her people. “I’m glad to see our elders here, our youth, and our community members. Bringing this bank here to Tulalip is a huge opportunity for our community.”
Gobin pointed out that tribal members have long faced struggles when trying to access funds or loans at outside banks, especially when it comes to financing homes and properties located on federal trust land. “Generation to generation, we’re still struggling, still fighting, but this is one step toward righting some of the wrongs that have been done on tribal land. Tribal members with good-paying jobs who own their homes still struggle to get a loan at an outside bank because we are on trust property.”
Gobin also reflected on the legacy of Tulalip leadership that laid the foundation for this moment. “My father was Stan Jones Sr. He was on the BOD council for 44 years, 26 of those as Chairman,” she shared. “When he started in 1966, we had three employees with the Tulalip Tribes. We are now the third-largest employer in Snohomish County. We’ve come a long way in a short period of time, and it’s from our past leadership that we’ve been brought to the next level.”
She emphasized the importance of unity among tribes in Washington state and across the country, highlighting Tulalip’s leadership role in organizations such as the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, the Washington Indian Gaming Association, and the National Congress of American Indians.
“As tribes, when we group, we’re stronger,” Gobin said. “This is a great opportunity for the bank to come here. Once you’re at Tulalip, other tribes will look at you a little bit differently, and they’ll want to know. We’re always willing to go the extra mile. We’re looking at mass economic development in this area, and we’re so excited to share this with the full community.”
Tom Ogaard, President and CEO of Native American Bank, emphasized that the Tulalip branch reflects the bank’s broader mission. “Access to financial services is what the bank is all about,” he explained. “Developing relationships in Indian Country is a face-to-face process, so we should have people who live and work here to meet the needs of the communities we serve. For us, it really meets the mission, and it’s gratifying to bring that on a local level and support economic diversity.”
Unlike many commercial institutions, NAB prioritizes relationship building over transactions. Ogaard noted, “For our staff, we recognize there could be an opportunity for financial literacy among potential customers. This isn’t just transactional — it’s about relationship building. Being present and engaged in the community is important, and that’s what sets us apart.”
One of NAB’s goals is to break down barriers that tribal entrepreneurs and families often face when dealing with mainstream banks. “It will first start with understanding the needs,” Ogaard said. “Access to small business lending, those types of credits, we have programs that we’ve become experts at and used successfully elsewhere. We aim to bring these services here so that business owners and individuals can access credit and deposit products. It’s also about eliminating some of the mystique about banking. Sometimes there’s hesitation in tribal communities. For us, it’s about creating that relationship, breaking down barriers, and showing what it takes to get a loan, open a checking account, or use our technology while still having that face-to-face option.”
When asked what financial sovereignty looks like for Tulalip and the broader region, Ogaard said it is an evolving process. “I think that’s an ongoing conversation we’re having with tribal leadership. The needs vary depending on which part of the tribe we’re talking to — from business committee members to individuals. Our role is to assist, to listen, and to tailor our services based on those requirements. It’s not one-size-fits-all.”
Ogaard also emphasized that Tulalip leaders and community representatives will play a key role in shaping the bank’s presence. “They certainly will have a role in helping us shape what we bring to the community and what’s important to them,” he said. “That runs the gamut from retail banking to commercial, to treasury and cash management. We’re here to listen and to align with the needs of Tulalip — from leadership down to individual tribal members.”
In his remarks at the grand opening, Ogaard highlighted NAB’s long-term vision: “Our goal is to build something lasting—to be a trusted financial partner who understands the needs of Native communities and shares in their long-term vision for self-sufficiency and momentum for self-determination. I fully expect that our facility here, and the number of staff we have in the Pacific Northwest, will one day outgrow our Denver corporate center. That’s how much we believe in this region.”
With this new branch, Native American Bank — founded in 2001 by 20 tribal nations, enterprises, and Alaska Native corporations — extends its reach while planting roots in one of the most economically vibrant tribal regions in the country. For Tulalip and surrounding Native communities, it represents not only access to financial services but also a partnership rooted in sovereignty, accountability, and shared growth.