Some aspects of credit for Indian tribes in Utah, Nevada, Southern Idaho, and Northern California

Interest in some phase of the Indian life is almost universal throughout America. Students of Anthropology; and history are interested in their origin, legends, and cultural attainments; statesmen and economists in their history and economic status while sociologists and public spirited citizens are concerned with the study of their social welfare and advancement. In presenting and analyzing some of the phases of the economy of the various Indian groups in the Basin-Plateau Region and parts of northern California, an approach to the problem must of necessity come through an understanding of the underlying conditions which have created the situation. In order that this viewpoint may be clarified, an attempt will be made to present a resume of the social and economic background of these Indians and the use which they made of their natural resources; of the cumbersome situations resulting from confused and entangled conceptions of Indian and European culture; also, to present a dearer picture of Indian credit and its use, and to show the accomplishments of these people through the use of Federal-Finance;d credit facilities made available to them. The problem in a broader sense involves queries ass What are the Indians' credit needs? What is the present picture of Indian life? Are Indian loans being repaid? What can be learned from the study of Indian credit operations with special reference to credit facilities made available to Indians through recent Federal legislation? What progress is being made in cooperative marketing with Indian groups?