Trust Relationship

In his 1831 decision, Chief Justice Marshall also held that the relationship between the federal government and the Indians is that of a "ward to his guardian."   Subsequent Supreme Court decisions clarified that the federal government has a duty to act as guardian solely for the benefit of Native Peoples in any matter that affects their interests.  Thus was born what has come to be known as the trust relationship, including the Bureau of Indian Affairs to administer programs to assist Native Peoples.