Alaska Indian Agency

United States American Indian Research  Indians of Alaska  Bureau of Indian Affairs  Alaska Indian Agency

History
The Alaska Agency was established on 5 April 1873 by the appointment of a special agent to control liquor traffic in Alaska. The headquarters was at St. Michaels, but the agent spent much of his time traveling. The agency was abolished on 5 November 1873, although the agent did not receive word until the following spring.

From 1873 to 1877, the primary responsibility for Alaskan natives was assigned to the Army. From 1877 to 1879, the only government official in Alaska, a collector of customs, was responsible for the natives. From 1879 to 1884, when a civil government was established, responsibility for the Alaskan natives was given to the Navy.

In 1885, a General Agent for Education, onder the Office of Education, was appointed to handle the education of Alaskan children. Gradually, the responsibility for Indian affairs in Alaska was assumed by the Office of Education until 1931, when it was transferred to the Office of Indian Affairs.

Records
Letters received by the Office of Indian Affairs from the Alaska Agency, 1873-1874, have been microfilmed by the National Archives as part of their Microcopy Number M234, Roll 1. Copies are available at the National Archives and at the Family History Library and its family history centers (their ).