Habemco: Building a Tribal Model for Economic Diversification
Located in a rural, isolated area of northern California, the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake Tribe turned to e-commerce as an exercise of its sovereignty when foot traffic proved impossible. By exercising its power to control access to its jurisdiction, the Tribe allowed consumers to access financial services directly from the reservation. Customers must affirmatively acknowledge accessing the reservation and consent to tribal laws, ensuring all services are regulated by the Tribe. This growing digital sovereignty safeguards data, security, and infrastructure.