The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is an agency of the federal government within the Department of the Interior responsible for the administration and management of federal lands held in trust by the United States for Native American tribes. The relationship between the BIA and any presidential administration, including the one that concluded in early 2021, is critical due to the government’s treaty obligations and trust responsibilities to tribal nations. Presidential administrations can influence the BIA’s policies, funding, and priorities.
The actions and policies impacting Native American tribes during that specific period encompass a range of areas, including economic development, healthcare, education, and natural resource management. Scrutiny is often applied to examine whether the administration’s actions were consistent with trust responsibilities and treaty obligations, as well as alignment with tribal sovereignty. Historical context demonstrates a long and often fraught relationship between the federal government and Native American tribes, influenced by shifts in political agendas and national priorities.
