Department of the Interior Distributes Record $66 Million to Native Families in May

The Department of the Interior today announced a record-high distribution of nearly $66 million in May to tribal beneficiaries at Fort Berthold in North Dakota, reaffirming the Department's commitment to addressing the probate backlog.

"This historic 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," saidAssistant 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.

The Office of Hearings and Appeals and Indian Affairs within Interior closed a record number of 379 probate cases nationwide in May. In addition to those at Fort Berthold, this included 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.