Taking land into trust is one of the most important functions Interior undertakes on behalf of the tribes. 

Acquisition of land in trust is essential to tribal self-determination. 

Tribes are sovereign governments and trust lands are a primary locus of tribal authority.  Indeed, many federal programs and services are available only on reservations or trust lands. 

The current federal policy of tribal self-determination is built upon the principles Congress set forth in the Indian Reorganization Act and reaffirmed in the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. 

Through the protection and restoration of tribal homelands, this Administration has sought to live up to the standards Congress established eight decades ago and indeed to reinvigorate the policies underlying the Indian Reorganization Act.    

Do you have a long range plan to protect and develop all your resources? An inventory of resources including water rights, land, energy sources, culture, infrastructure, broadband, and location is a great place to start.

We help tribes inventory and plan through a variety of processes. Tribes should have certain legislation in place to attract business and develop their resources. Long-range development plans help protect cultural sites and other resources while determine preferred locations for development. Our Section 106 and Nation Environmental Policy Act experts assist tribes with protecting cultural and environmental sites.

Once certain legislation and plans are in place we assist with economic development.

We work with a team of engineers to assist in designing infrastructure and industrial facilities that attract business and jobs such as beef processing facilitates and greenhouses.

In order to attract businesses and benefit from Federal programs, tribes need certain legislation in place.

We regularly meet with Tribal leadership to discuss their plans and determine what legislation should be past to facilitate economic development. We work with tribal council to draft legislation and any necessary BIA approvals.

These acts encourage economic and job growth by allowing tribes to start renewable projects, energy companies, beef processing plants, industrial parks and more.

Examples of types of legislation and programs are as follows:

Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance (TERO)

The Helping Expedite and Advance Responsible Tribal Home Ownership Act of 2012 (HEARTH Act)

Tribal Energy Resource Agreements (TERA)

Native American HUBZones

The amount of funding available to tribes is unprecedented and can be overwhelming where to start.

We assist tribes with applying for grants and funding, setting up protocols, and streamlining projects.

CARES Act, American Relief Act, Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program and other programs provide exciting opportunities for Tribes to develop much needed infrastructure.