The Bureau of Indian Affairs is the government agency that serves as a liaison between the Native American Tribes and Alaskan natives and the federal government. The bureau is part of the United States Department of the Interior and is the oldest bureau created. http://www.bia.gov/FAQs/index.htm The bureau oversees the 56.2 million acres of land that are held in trust for the various Indian tribes by the United States. http://www.bia.gov/FAQs/index.htm

Indian Affairs provides and administers services to over 1.9 million American Indians and Alaskan Natives. http://www.bia.gov/FAQs/index.htm There are 564 American Indian tribes that have nationhood status within the United States and they retain the right to self government. http://www.bia.gov/FAQs/index.htm During the treaty years of 1778-1871 the individual tribes native to America ceded their land to the United States government in return for its protection. http://www.bia.gov/FAQs/index.htm The treaties made during this time frame govern the relationship between the federal government and the tribes and are the basis on which the Bureau of Indian Affairs operates.

The Bureau maintains law enforcement and investigative services for both Indians and non-Indians living on Indian land. Enforcement programs, courts, and detention facilities are also funded and operated. http://www.bia.gov/FAQs/index.htm The bureau builds and maintains many miles of roads as well as bridges, dams, and necessary physical infrastructure. http://www.bia.gov/FAQs/index.htm They provide emergency response to wild fires and natural disasters. http://www.bia.gov/FAQs/index.htm Indian Affairs probates Indian trust estates, administers leases and loan programs, as well as administers federal economic development, employment, and training programs. http://www.bia.gov/FAQs/index.htm Indian Affairs has a school system consisting of 184 schools and 5,000 teachers, administrators, and support personnel. http://www.bia.gov/FAQs/index.htm There were 48,000 students in the IA school system in 2006-2007. http://www.bia.gov/FAQs/index.htm

As the United States began to be formed the dealings with American Natives were governed by the Continental Congress. In 1775 the Committee of Indian Affairs, headed by Benjamin Franklin, was established. http://www.bia.gov/FAQs/index.htm In 1789 the responsibility of Indian affairs was transferred to the Secretary of War and an office for Indian Trade was established in the War Department in 1806. http://www.bia.gov/FAQs/index.htm In 1824 Secretary of War John C. Calhoun established the Bureau of Indian Affairs in his department. http://www.bia.gov/FAQs/index.htm In 1949 it was transferred to the newly created Department of the Interior where it remains to the present. http://www.bia.gov/FAQs/index.htm