Native American Affairs Program

Native American Affairs Program

The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) was established in 1902 to help foster economic development in the 17 Western States by developing and building water supply projects.  Today, Reclamation is a contemporary water management agency with numerous programs, initiatives, and activities to help meet water needs and balance the multitude of competing uses of water in the West.

Reclamation is also committed to increasing opportunities for Indian tribes to develop, manage, and protect their water and related resources.  The activities supporting these opportunities, sometimes informally referred to collectively as the “Native American Program,” is a collaborative, coordinated, integrated function in Reclamation.

The Native American Affairs Program, which is a formal program funded through the Native American Affairs line item in Reclamation’s budget, is a small but integral part of the overall Native American Program.  The Native American and International Affairs Office in the Commissioner's Office serves as the central coordination point for both the Native American Affairs Program and the International Affairs Program, and is the lead for policy guidance for Native American issues in Reclamation.

Announcements

• Tribal Funding

  Biden-Harris Administration Announces Nearly $82 Million To Bring Clean Drinking Water to Tribal Communities

  Oct. 31, 2024 – The Department of the Interior today announced a nearly $82 million investment from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to bring clean, safe drinking water to Tribal communities in the West. The investment will fund 23 projects through a new program established through the Inflation Reduction Act—the largest climate investment ever. Read More →

  Complete list and description of completed projects

• Tribal Funding

  Reclamation announces $9.2 million for Tribal water projects and emergency drought relief supported by the Investing in America agenda

  Oct. 1, 2024 – The Bureau of Reclamation today announced a $9.2 million investment supported by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to support Tribal efforts to develop, manage and protect water and related resources, and mitigate drought impacts and the loss of Tribal trust resources. The 25 projects selected through the Native American Affairs Technical Assistance Program, with funding from the Inflation Reduction Act and annual appropriations will benefit 18 federally recognized Tribes across 11 western states. Read More →

  Complete list and description of completed projects