Funding for Native American Tribes is crucial in ensuring their success and preserving their cultures for future generations. One avenue of revenue that many people commonly think of when considering funding for Tribes is casino payouts. They may also receive government stipends and tax cuts for income earned within the Tribe boundaries. However, there is always new potential in creating funding incentives for Native Americans and their Tribes.
The Cherokee Film Incentive
On March 1, 2022, the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma rolled out a new funding incentive in an attempt to provide more benefits to the Tribe and its members. The basis of this incentive program was for The Cherokee Nation Film Office to provide funding for any projects filmed on Tribal lands. The program will provide $1 million in funds for film projects and production annually.
The Purpose Behind The Incentive
You might be wondering what the main goal behind this incentive program is. Well, the Cherokee Tribe in Oklahoma seeks to provide more economic development and job opportunities for Tribal members. By having film projects completed on Tribal lands, it will also increase the utilization of Native-owned businesses.
Furthermore, the incentive is also intended to help encourage and support Indigenous artists and creators. It will help expand their career opportunities by providing filmmakers, directors, producers, and actors with the necessary resources to succeed.
What Can We Learn?
While the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma is the first to establish a film incentive program to bring in more revenue to the community, that does not mean it will be the last. The Cherokee Film Incentive can be viewed as an example of the unique funding opportunities available to Tribes and their members.
At Circling Eagle Law we routinely handle cases that involve the economic development of Tribes. We value serving the communities located close to home, providing them with a voice and platform for success.
Call us at (701) 401-7404 to speak with our attorneys about Tribal economic funding today.
