The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 authorizes grants to Federally recognized Indian tribes for cultural and historic preservation projects. These grants assist Indian Tribes, Alaskan Natives, and Native Hawaiian Organizations in protecting and promoting their unique cultural heritage and traditions.

From the beginning, the program has been shaped by Indian tribes. It focuses on what they are most concerned with protecting - Native language, oral history, plant and animal species important in tradition, sacred and historic places, and the establishment of tribal historic preservation offices.

Since 1990, more than $17 million has been awarded to over 460 Indian and Alaskan Native communities.