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Bureau of Indian Affairs

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Interior that is responsible for administering and managing over 55 million surface acres and 57 million acres of subsurface minerals estates held in trust by the U.S for American Indian, Indian tribes, and Alaska Natives. Established in 1824, the BIA seeks to enhance the quality of life, promote economic opportunity, and protect and improve the trust assets of American Indians, Indian tribes, and Alaska Natives. It provides services directly or through contracts, grants, or compacts to approximately 1.9 million American Indians and Alaska Natives.