Bureau of Indian Affairs facts for kids

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) was formed in 1824 to deal with Native Americans inside the United States. The BIA manages land and natural resources for Native Americans. It is responsible for the U.S. government's relationship with Native American tribes. Sometimes, it helps with infrastructure and law enforcement.

In the past, the BIA operated schools on Indian reservations. Now, the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) provides money for schools. Some of the schools are operated by the BIE and others are operated by the tribes themselves.

Images for kids

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  Main Interior Building, the department headquarters

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  Ely S. Parker was the first Native American to be appointed as Commissioner of Indian affairs (1869–1871).

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  Cato Sells, Commissioner of Indian Affairs, 1913.

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  1940 Indians at Work magazine, published by the Office of Indian Affairs, predecessor agency to the Bureau of Indian Affairs.