Bill Shelton, a member of the Tulalip Tribes of Washington, says a bank discriminated against him because he is American Indian and lives on a reservation.

Shelton, who owns his home and has a high credit score, sought a $159,000 from KeyBank. But he was denied because he was deemed an "unacceptable" client.

"Collateral property is unsatisfactory," a letter from the bank said. "Property located on Indian Reservation, which is not acceptable for financing in this loan program."

The problem is common throughout Indian Country despite federal laws that enable banks to extend loans for homes and property on trust land. KeyBank, in fact, operates a Native American Financial Services but it appears to be dedicated to working with tribal governments and not individual Indians.

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Indians find loans hard to get (The Everett Herald 5/29)