The Lower Brule Sioux Tribe of South Dakota has acquired a financial services firm in what is being called a first in Indian Country.

The tribe owns 100 percent of the Westrock Group. The New York-based firm is now the first tribal-owned financial services business in the U.S.

"This is a landmark event for our Tribe and for all American Indians," Chairman Michael Jandreau said in a press release.

The firm has established a Tribal Services Advisory group to provide services in Indian Country. The group will be headed by Dennis Ickes, the director of Tribal Services, and Gavin Clarkson, the director of Tribal Finance. Clarkson is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

Get the Story:
Financial firm new territory for tribe (Marketplace 9/9)
Press Release: Westrock Group Acquired by Lower Brule Sioux Tribe (Lower Brule Sioux Tribe 9/9)