Tribal Land Trusts

A Tribal Land Trust is a legal arrangement where Indian tribes or individual Native Americans hold land in trust with the federal government. This means the government manages the land on behalf of the tribe or individual to protect its value, preserve cultural heritage, and prevent alienation or sale without approval. The land remains under native ownership but is protected from outside claims or development that could harm its cultural or economic significance. Trust status supports tribal sovereignty, enabling communities to maintain control over their land and resources while benefiting from federal protections.