Firelake Grocery and Other Economic Development Concerns of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation

The Citizen Potawatomi Nation has been one of the most progressive tribes when it comes to economic development diversity. With a springboard from the tribe's successful gaming efforts, they have purchased and diversified with (among other things) Firelake Grocery in Shawnee, Oklahoma. This grocery store is unique in that it signifies a change in Native business development thinking. It says that the tribe has learned that the surrounding community can be a revenue generator, while also building community relations. It is this community relation that the tribe also provides a regular payment to the county in lieu of sales taxes as Firelake Grocery (and other businesses) are on tribal land.

The Citizen Potawatomi also bought the First National Bank as an economic diversity endeavor. The bank has eight locations that expand outside of typical Citizen Potawatomi historical boundaries. Again signifying the tribe's desire to gain revenue outside of typical Native business endeavors. Before the tribe's purchase most tribes that tried banking attempted to develop banks using tribal sovereignty status. Essentially, they were trying to develop off-shore style banks. This made for poor government relations and all such banks eventually were closed or collapsed. But the Citizen Potawatomi's First National Bank was purchased as a typical fully regulated bank and continues to be to this day. Other tribes have followed their example such as the Chickasaw nation who have developed Bank2 headquartered in Oklahoma City. However, unique to the Potawatomi's efforts is how the Firelake Grocery anchors many other business in the grocery's shopping center, including a First National Bank branch.

Still, with these unique to tribes enterprises, they also have typical Native American businesses. As mentioned the Citizen Potawatomi have successful gaming operations. Being based in Shawnee, Oklahoma the gaming centers draw players from Oklahoma City. Also, as a popular events center, the casino brings many headliners to entertain. The tribe also has the popular with tribes travel plaza and convenience stores as economic concerns. Even within the tribal cultural center, there is a gift shop which houses Native American items like jewelry, clothing, books, art, Pendletons beads, and more.

These economic efforts make the Citizen Potawatomi a tribe to be modeled for economic success.