Frequently Asked Questions

The Office of Tribal Justice serves as the primary point of contact for Indian tribes with the Department, as well as the resident legal experts on issues pertaining to federal Indian law.

The Office of Tribal Justice is a component within the Department of Justice. The Bureau of Indian Affairs ("BIA") is a part of the Department of the Interior. The BIA may be contacted at Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20240.

The Department of Justice maintains a government-to-government relationship with federally recognized Tribes. The Office of Tribal Justice serves as the primary point of contact between tribal governments and the Department.

The Office of Tribal Justice cannot provide legal advice to private citizens pursuing a personal cause of action. For referrals to private attorneys, you should contact the appropriate Tribal or State Bar Association.

The Office of Tribal Justice cannot provide legal advice or assistance in child custody or child support cases. For referrals to private attorneys, you should contact the appropriate Tribal or State Bar Association. For additional information about the Indian Child Welfare Act (“ICWA”), you may wish to contact the National Indian Child Welfare Association and the Native American Rights Fund.

Tribal membership is left to the discretion of each individual Tribe. As such, you should directly contact your ancestral Tribe for information on membership requirements.

As noted above, tribal membership is left to the discretion of each individual Tribe.  For information concerning any possible recourse you may have, contact the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Congress has identified the Department of the Interior as the lead agency to address federal recognition issues. Tribes must undergo a federal recognition process before recognition can be granted per 25 U.S.C. § 211. For additional information you may wish to contact directly the Bureau of Indian Affairs in the U.S. Department of the Interior.

The Office of Tribal Justice does not represent individuals or provide legal advice. That would be a matter for a private attorney.

The Office of Tribal Justice does not represent individuals or provide legal advice. That would be a matter for a private attorney.