Our mission in Tribal Operations is to provide tribes with the necessary resources to foster strong stable tribal governments in the exercise of their rights as sovereign nations. In accordance with the long-standing federal policy of supporting Indian self-determination as expressed in the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, as amended (Public Law 93-638), Tribal Operations assists Indian tribes in their administration of quality programs and developing the economies of their respective communities.
Enrollment Appeals: Our staff are responsible for processing appeals from adverse enrollment actions when an appeal to the Secretary is provided for in the tribal governing document (25 C.F.R. Part 62).
Secretarial Elections: Tribal Operations staff administer the Department's procedures for authorizing and conducting elections when a Federal statute (25 U.S.C. § 5123) or the terms of a tribal governing document require the Secretary to conduct and approve an election to adopt, amend, or revoke tribal governing documents (25 C.F.R. Part 81).
Claims: BIA staff assist with the preparation of a roll or an inclusive list of those individuals determined to be beneficiaries for the distribution of funds awarded in satisfaction of a judgment awarded by the Indian Claims Commission or the United States Court of Federal Claims in favor of an Indian tribe.
Self-Determination Contracts: Regional and Agency staff provide technical assistance and monitor the progress of federal Indian programs administered by Indian tribes that include the Aid to Tribal Government, Tribal Court, and Economic Development programs.
Resource Links:
Guide to Tracing American Indian Ancestry
Tribal Leaders Directory & Map
CDIB Application & Instructions
BIA 4432
