United States. Bureau of Indian Affairs

• BIA (Bureau of Indian Affairs)

• U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs

• United States. Bureau of Indian Affairenun

• United States. Commissioner of Indian Affairs

• United States. Department of the Interior. Bureau of Indian Affairs

• United States. Indian Affairs, Bureau of

• United States. Indian Bureau

• United States. Indian Service

• United States. Office of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs

• United States. War Department. Bureau of Indian Affairs

"The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) was established in 1824 within the War Department by Secretary of War John C. Calhoun, though it was not formally authorized by Congress until 1832. Initially created to manage the U.S. government's relations with Native American tribes, the BIA played a central role in implementing federal Indian policy, including treaty enforcement, land management, and the administration of annuities and trade.

In 1849, the BIA was transferred to the newly created Department of the Interior, where it remains today. Throughout the 19th century, the agency was deeply involved in westward expansion policies, including the forced relocation of tribes, the reservation system, and assimilation efforts such as boarding schools and allotment under the Dawes Act of 1887.

In the 20th century, the BIA’s role shifted significantly. The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 reversed allotment and promoted tribal self-governance. The mid-20th century saw a return to termination policies, which were again reversed during the Indian self-determination movement of the 1970s. The Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975 marked a major turning point, allowing tribes to administer their own programs.

The BIA supports tribal governments through services such as law enforcement, infrastructure, education, and natural resource management. It operates under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is committed to promoting tribal sovereignty and self-governance."

FAST Subject Headings: corporate