US Indian Affairs Bureau

The Bureau of Indian Affairs, an agency within the United States Department of the Interior is responsible for the administration and management of nearly 60 million acres of land held in trust by the United States for American Indians, Indian tribes and Alaska natives. There are more than 500 federal recognized tribal governments in the United States. The agency is also responsible for developing forestlands, leasing assets on these lands, directing agricultural programs, protecting water and land rights, developing and maintaining infrastructure and economic development. In addition, the Bureau of Indian Affairs provides education services to approximately 50,000 Indian students. The bureau has a location in Washington, D.C., as well as Montana and Arizona.