Legal Definitions - Bureau of Indian Affairs

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is a unit within the U.S. Department of the Interior. Its main responsibility is to help Native American and Alaskan Native people manage their affairs under the trust relationship with the U.S. government. The BIA also promotes programs that benefit these communities.

The Bureau was originally created as part of the War Department in 1824, but it was transferred to the Interior Department in 1849. Since then, the BIA has been working to improve the lives of Native American and Alaskan Native people.

• The BIA helps Native American tribes manage their natural resources, such as forests and waterways.
• The BIA provides funding for schools on reservations to ensure that Native American children receive a quality education.
• The BIA works with Native American communities to develop economic opportunities, such as businesses and tourism.

These examples illustrate how the BIA helps Native American and Alaskan Native people manage their affairs and improve their lives. By providing resources and support, the BIA helps these communities become more self-sufficient and prosperous.