How it is Administered

Competitive funding authorized under the Native American Program Act of 1974 as amended for community-based projects is provided through three competitive discretionary grant programs to eligible tribes and non-profit Native American organizations: social and economic development, language preservation and environmental regulatory enhancement.

Expected Goals

To achieve the goal of self-sufficiency and cultural preservation, ANA projects are planned, designed, and implemented by Native American community members to address the particular needs of their society. ANA subscribes to the philosophy that sustainable change must originate within the community.

Specific Goals:

1. Foster the development of stable, diversified local economies and economic activities which will provide jobs, promote community and economic well-being, encourage community partnerships and reduce dependency on public funds and social services;
2. Support local access to, control of, and coordination of services and programs that safeguard the health and wellbeing of Native children and families; and
3. Increase the number of projects involving youth and intergenerational activities in Native American communities.

Examples of the range of ANA projects include:

• Creation of new jobs and development or expansion of business enterprises and social service initiatives
• Establishment of new tribal employment offices
• Formulation of environmental ordinances and training in the use and control of natural resources
• Enactment of new codes and management improvements to strengthen the governmental functions of tribes and Native American organizations
• Establishment of local court systems

History

Established Date

ANA was established in 1974 to serve all Native Americans, including 565 federally recognized tribes, American Indian and Alaska Native organizations, Native Hawaiian organizations and Native populations throughout the Pacific basin (including American Samoa, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands).

Reason It Was Formed

In January 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson declared the War on Poverty, a collection of ideals that ultimately laid the foundation for ANA. President Johnson made a call to action, asking communities to prepare “long-range plans for the attack on poverty.” Eight months later, the Economic Opportunity Act was signed into law, and shortly thereafter the Office of Economic Opportunity began awarding grants. Early in the 1970s, the OEO was terminated, but many of its War on Poverty concepts became the basis for ANA. ANA also embraced the goal of Native American self-determination, first endorsed by President Johnson in 1968 and later by President Richard Nixon.

Law That Established the Program

ANA was established by and is authorized under the Native American Programs Act of 1974.