By and large, Native Americans work at the same types of jobs as all other Americans.
A high percentage, though, are factory workers, repair people, and other skilled technicians. Many Native Americans have gone into these fields because, beginning in the 1950s, the government offered them free or low-cost vocational training.
A large number of Native Americans also work for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), the government agency that oversees U.S. dealings with Indian peoples, because the BIA has a policy of giving preference to Indian job applicants.
Many other Native Americans are employed as artists and craftspeople. Following the artistic traditions of their people, these artists make paintings, baskets, pottery, jewelry, blankets, and other decorative items for sale.
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