What is the role of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)?

The role of the US Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is primarily to handle federal matters concerning Native American affairs. Established in the early 19th century, the BIA is responsible for the administration of programs related to the management of land held in trust for Native American tribes, overseeing the relationships between the federal government and Native American nations, and enforcing treaties and laws that pertain to these groups. This includes a range of responsibilities such as facilitating self-determination, ensuring legislative compliance, and promoting economic development in Indigenous communities.

While the BIA does provide some health and education services, manages certain aspects of Native American tourism, and can play a role in law enforcement on reservations, these tasks are part of a broader spectrum of responsibilities. The core function as a federal bureau is its role in managing and addressing the complexities of Native American governance and rights, making the handling of federal matters concerning Native American affairs its primary focus.