Trust Responsibility

Trust Responsibility is a legal obligation that the U.S. government has to protect and manage lands, resources, and assets held in trust for Native American tribes and individual Native Americans. It means the government must act in the best interests of these tribes, ensuring their land rights, resources, and cultural heritage are preserved and used responsibly. This duty is rooted in treaties, laws, and commitments, emphasizing a fiduciary role similar to that of a trustee managing someone’s assets—protecting their interests now and for future generations.