And tribal self-determination and self-governance programs have eclipsed direct services being provided by the BIA and BIE, which is good news. About 68% of BIA funding is directly used in behalf of the tribes, most of it in the form of contracts, grants or compacts involving social services, job training, school facilities, some housing improvement, and other land and management concerns. Here are five facts to know about Native funding in the U.S.Īlthough the BIA has a large budget to serve the 574 federally recognized tribes (about $2 billion a year), it has been cited as the least effective government agency and the most mismanaged. Reality is that federal treaty obligations are often unmet and almost always underfunded, and many Native families are struggling. They perceive Native Americans receive free housing, healthcare, education, and food government checks each month, and income without the burden of taxes.
government meets the needs of Native Americans through treaty benefits and entitlements.
