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

• Funding Opportunity

  Reclamation Announces $7 Million Funding Opportunity for Technical Assistance to Tribes

  July 22, 2025 – The Bureau of Reclamation announces $7 million available through the Native American Affairs Technical Assistance Program to increase opportunities for Tribes in the 17 Western States to develop, manage, and protect Tribal water and water related resources.
  
  More Information:
  Native American Affairs Technical Assistance Program
  

• Funding Opportunity

  Reclamation Announces $9 Million Funding Opportunity for Tribal Water Projects to Mitigate Drought Impacts

  July 8, 2025 – The Bureau of Reclamation announces $9 million available through the Native American Affairs Emergency Drought Relief for Tribes Program to support Tribes impacted by a Reclamation Project in the 17 Western States, in their efforts to develop, manage, and protect Tribal water and related resources through near-term drought mitigation projects.
  
  More Information:
  Native American Affairs Technical Assistance Program