what is the bureau of indian affairs

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is a U.S. federal agency within the Department of the Interior that serves as the principal government liaison with federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes. It administers land held in trust, delivers various services to Indigenous communities, and supports economic development, governance, and natural- resource management in collaboration with tribes. The BIA is one of the oldest U.S. federal agencies, with roots dating back to the early 19th century, and it operates alongside related offices such as the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) and the Office of Justice Services (OJS) to fulfill its trust and treaty responsibilities.