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

    Reclamation announces $6.3 million in technical assistance to tribes

    The Bureau of Reclamation is investing $6.3 million in 10 tribal water projects, including several projects to ensure clean, reliable drinking water.

    “These projects speak to the needs that remain in these communities,” said Acting Commissioner Scott Cameron. “Many of the projects selected focus on the important work of ensuring communities have safe drinking water and sanitation.”

    See full announcement: https://www.usbr.gov/newsroom/news-release/5324

The Unified Interior Regional Boundaries:

Map of Unified Interior Regional Boundaries
Commissioner's Office
and Regional Support for the Native American Affairs Program

Commissioner's Office

Missouri Basin and Arkansas-
Rio Grande-Texas Gulf (Regions 5 and 6)

Upper Colorado Basin (Region 7)

Lower Colorado Basin (Region 8)

Columbia-Pacific Northwest (Region 9)

California-Great Basin (Region 10)



The 17 Western States:

    1. Arizona
    2. California
    3. Colorado
    4. Idaho
    5. Kansas
    6. Montana
    7. Nebraska
    8. Nevada
    9. New Mexico
    10. North Dakota
    11. Oklahoma
    12. Oregon
    13. South Dakota
    14. Texas
    15. Utah
    16. Washington
    17. Wyoming

Last Updated: 4/16/26