<span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Department of the Interior Distributes Record $66 Million to Native Families in May</span>

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of the Interior today announced the distribution of a record high of nearly $66 million in May to tribal beneficiaries at Fort Berthold in North Dakota, allowing Interior to close 379 cases in one month. The momentous collaboration between the Bureau of Indian Affairs Fort Berthold Agency Probate Surge and Office of Hearing and Appeals highlights the Departments commit to address the probate backlog.

“This unheard-of level of distribution far surpasses anything seen before and demonstrates the Trump administration’s commitment to honoring trust responsibilities and strengthening services to tribal nations and citizens,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “Each completed case delivers answers, upholds responsibilities, and ensures tribal beneficiaries receive what is owed to them with transparency, dignity and respect.”

“This distribution represents more than a financial milestone,” said Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Billy Kirkland. “It reflects the ongoing work to ensure families receive what they are due through a clear, respectful, and timely probate process.”

Improvements across Interior strengthened coordination between the Office of Hearings and Appeals, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Trust Funds Administration and the Land Titles and Records Office, leveraging automation to move cases forward more efficiently while maintaining accuracy and due care.

In addition to Fort Berthold, funds and case closures increased to a record number of 379 cases were closed at the Office of Hearings and Appeals to families living in Alaska, Arizona, Oklahoma and other tribal communities across Indian Country.

The Bureau of Trust Funds Administration will notify account holders whose distributions are included in this action and provide guidance regarding access to funds.

Beneficiaries with questions related to their accounts, probate status, or upcoming hearings may contact their local agency office or the BTFA Trust Beneficiary Call Center at (888) 678-6836 for assistance.