Bureau of Indian Affairs
The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) responsibility is the administration and management of 55.7 million acres (87,000 sq. miles or 225,000 km²) of land held in trust by the United States for American Indians, Indian tribes, and Alaska Natives. There are 562 federally recognized tribal governments in the United States. Developing forestlands, leasing assets on these lands, directing agricultural programs, protecting water and land rights, developing and maintaining infrastructure and economic development are all part of the agency's responsibility. In addition, the Bureau of Indian Affairs provides education services to approximately 48,000 Indian students.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs was originally a division of the United States Department of War, and in 1849 was transferred to the United States Department of the Interior.
