Tribal and Native American Issues

There are 575 ethnically, culturally, and linguistically diverse federally recognized Indian Tribes in the United States. These Tribal Nations are distinct political entities whose inherent sovereignty predates the United States and is reflected in their government-to-government relationship with the U.S. government. The United States has undertaken a unique trust responsibility to protect and support Tribal Nations and their citizens through treaties, statutes, and historical relations with Tribal Nations. The 2022-2027 GAO Strategic Plan addresses the federal government’s responsibilities to Tribal Nations and their citizens.   

In 2018, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights reported that—due to a variety of reasons such as historical discriminatory policies, insufficient resources, and inefficient federal program delivery—American Indians and Alaska Natives continue to rank near the bottom of all Americans in terms of health, education, and employment. 

Under current law, more than 20 federal agencies are required to provide direct services to federally recognized Tribes and their citizens or funding to Tribes for tribally administered services, including the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Department of Health and Human Services’ Indian Health Service (IHS), and the Department of Justice, among others. These agencies continue to have long standing challenges improving the effectiveness and efficiency of their tribal programs.   

For instance: 

• Protecting American Indian and Alaska Native patients. IHS has faced numerous challenges in administering health care services to American Indians and Alaska Natives. For example, many federally operated IHS facilities are in poor condition and IHS's medical equipment is aging—which can negatively affect patient care.  

• Education for tribal children. Tribal Head Start programs help children in poverty get ready for school while incorporating Native language, culture, and traditions. But some Tribal Head Start programs reported challenges with enrollment, such as trouble hiring and retaining the staff needed to support the children. The Health and Human Services’ Office of Head Start helps Tribal Head Start programs navigate such challenges. However, this office could improve how it communicates with Tribal programs.  

• Federal programs and services. Federal agencies are required by law to provide a variety of programs and services to Tribal Nations and their citizens. However, 2025 workforce reductions at Indian Affairs and ongoing strained regional workforce capacity may impede delivery of programs and service. 

• Funding for tribes. Tribes face many challenges in navigating federal programs and accessing federal funding. For example, federal assistance provided through the Department of Energy’s Tribal Energy Financing Program is challenging due to unclear guidance, a long and complex application process, and high and unpredictable program costs. 

• Broadband in Indian country. Broadband is critical to modern life. In 2021, 29% of American Indian and Alaska Native households on tribal lands could not access broadband service, compared to the national average of 10%. Numerous federal programs are working to increase broadband access on tribal lands, and some grants help Tribes build their own networks. These networks serve areas that have not attracted private-sector investment due to their remote location and low population density. However, it will be difficult for some Tribes to financially sustain the new networks.  

• Criminal jurisdiction in Alaska. Alaska is home to 227 federally recognized Tribes and has some of the highest crimes rates in the country. Tribes and the State of Alaska have concurrent criminal jurisdiction. In general, this means a Tribe and the state are both authorized to investigate and prosecute crimes involving tribal citizens in Alaska Native villages. Officials from the Bureau of Indian Affairs shared varying views about concurrent jurisdiction and how it works in practice—which could lead to confusion among Tribes.