This article may contain affiliate links. For details, visit our Affiliate Disclosure page.
Introduction
The United States has a long history of paying money to Native American tribes. This money comes in the form of direct payments, trust funds, and other forms of financial support. The amount of money paid to Native American tribes varies widely, depending on the specific tribe and the type of payment. In this blog post, we will explore the various types of payments made to Native American tribes, and how much money the United States pays out to them each year.
Direct Payments to Native American Tribes
Direct payments to Native American tribes are payments made by the federal government to tribes in order to fulfill treaty obligations, provide financial assistance, and fund tribal programs. These payments are typically made on a regular basis, such as annually or semi-annually. The amount of money paid to each tribe varies, depending on the specific treaty obligations and the overall financial needs of the tribe.
In 2020, the United States government paid out a total of $1.3 billion in direct payments to Native American tribes. This money was distributed among 574 federally recognized tribes, with each tribe receiving an average of $2.2 million. The largest single payment was made to the Navajo Nation, which received $216 million in direct payments.
Trust Funds for Native American Tribes
Trust funds are financial accounts that are managed by the federal government on behalf of Native American tribes. These accounts are typically used to provide financial support for tribal programs, such as health care, education, and infrastructure. The money in these accounts is typically invested in stocks, bonds, and other investments in order to generate additional income for the tribes.
The United States currently manages over $4 billion in trust funds for Native American tribes. This money is distributed among over 300 federally recognized tribes, with each tribe receiving an average of $13 million. The largest trust fund is held by the Navajo Nation, which holds over $1 billion in trust funds.
Other Financial Support for Native American Tribes
In addition to direct payments and trust funds, the federal government also provides other forms of financial support to Native American tribes. This includes grants and loans for tribal programs, tax incentives, and other forms of financial assistance. The amount of money provided in these programs varies widely, depending on the specific tribe and the type of assistance provided.
In 2020, the United States government provided a total of $3.7 billion in other financial support to Native American tribes. This money was distributed among 574 federally recognized tribes, with each tribe receiving an average of $6.4 million. The largest single payment was made to the Navajo Nation, which received $1.1 billion in other financial support.
Conclusion
The United States government provides a significant amount of money to Native American tribes each year. This money comes in the form of direct payments, trust funds, and other forms of financial support. In 2020, the United States paid out a total of $6 billion in payments and other financial support to Native American tribes. This money is distributed among 574 federally recognized tribes, with each tribe receiving an average of $10.6 million.
