American Indian and Alaska Native Records in the National Archives
Researchers can find information relating to American Indians and Alaska Natives from as early as 1774 through the mid-1990s at National Archives locations throughout the country.
The National Archives preserves and makes available documents created by federal agencies in the course of their daily business. Because the U.S. government’s interactions with American Indians and Alaska Natives have changed over time, knowing the geographic place and time period of your research topic will help create a more positive research experience. As you plan your research, consider this question: how does my research topic intersect with the U.S. federal government?
To help you answer this question, use the navigation options below to explore the vast resources relating to American Indian and Alaska Native research.
If you are just beginning archival research, please review guidance about getting started.
Research by Tribe, Band, or Community
The Native Communities program provides research guides for locating records related to American Indian and Alaska Native tribes, bands, and communities.
Research by Topic
Explore records at the National Archives related to American Indians and Alaska Natives by subject area. Select topics are listed alphabetically below.
Research by Federal Agency
Explore records created and maintained by federal agencies that interact with American Indians and Alaska Natives. Select agencies are listed below by record group (RG) number.
Additional Resources
Explore finding aids, online publications, and other National Archives resources related to American Indians and Alaska Natives.
