25 U.S.C. § 5116 — Standards for Indians appointed to Indian Office

The Secretary^* of the Interior is directed to establish standards of health, age, character, experience, knowledge, and ability for Indians who may be appointed, without regard to civil-service laws, to the various positions maintained, now or hereafter, by the Indian Office, in the administration of functions or services affecting any Indian tribe^*. Such qualified Indians shall hereafter have the preference to appointment to vacancies in any such positions.