Effectiveness of BIA Coordination with Other Federal Agencies

Four reports were compiled in a review of Bureau of Indian Affairs programs and processes. A two-part report on Indian natural resources concluded that the Department of Interior had not given Indians the necessary assistance to properly manage their natural resources. The report recommended that procedures be established among various responsible agencies and Indian tribes to coordinate reservation activities. The Department of the Interior recently established an interagency task force to study irrigation management activities. A report on the award of financial aid to Indian students found conflicting philosophies among several agencies in awarding financial aid and concluded that the agencies should develop solutions to the problem in conjunction with appropriate congressional committees. Regulations were issued by the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare that provide for coordinating the student assistance programs. A report on business development on Indian reservations identified several Federal agencies that provide assistance programs to Indians. The report noted that no formal mechanism had been formulated to coordinate overall planning, funding, and administration of Federal projects. It was recommended that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) establish a domestic council committee on Indian affairs to coordinate program efforts. No action has been taken by the OMB.