Government Money for Native Americans

Although Native Americans are entitled to certain benefits by virtue of their heritage, it is a misconception that they are automatically entitled to government money. Because of specific promises made in treaties by the federal government, Native Americans can receive no-cost medical care through the Indian Health Service. The federal government is also charged with allocating money to tribal governments, in exchange for all the land the tribes ceded. However, this money is only allocated to tribal entities, not to individual Indian people. Members of tribes with successful gaming operations may receive money by way of per capita payments. Some American Indian people may also receive money from government leasing of reservation land and court settlements.