Legal Definitions - Indian Claims Commission

The Indian Claims Commission was a federal agency that existed until 1978. Its purpose was to settle claims brought by American Indian tribes or other identifiable groups of Indians against the United States government.

For example, the Navajo Nation filed a claim with the Indian Claims Commission in 1951, seeking compensation for the government's use of Navajo land during World War II. The commission ultimately awarded the Navajo Nation $33 million in 1974.

Today, these types of claims are heard by the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.

The Indian Claims Commission was an important step in addressing the historical injustices and broken treaties between the U.S. government and Native American tribes. Its work helped to provide some measure of compensation and recognition for the harm done to these communities.