Indian Reorganization Act

Definition

The Indian Reorganization Act, also known as the Wheeler-Howard Act, was a 1934 federal law that aimed to reverse the assimilationist policies of the previous decades and restore tribal self-governance and control over reservation lands. It was a significant shift in the federal government's approach to Native American affairs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Indian Reorganization Act aimed to reverse the assimilationist policies of the previous decades, such as the Allotment System, and restore tribal self-governance and control over reservation lands.
2. The Act allowed tribes to adopt constitutions and corporate charters, giving them greater autonomy in managing their own affairs and resources.
3. It provided for the return of surplus lands to tribal ownership, and prohibited further allotment of tribal lands without consent.
4. The Act also established a revolving credit fund to provide loans for the economic development of Native American communities.
5. The implementation of the Indian Reorganization Act was a significant shift in the federal government's approach to Native American affairs, moving away from forced assimilation and towards supporting tribal self-determination.

Review Questions

• Explain how the Indian Reorganization Act addressed the issues of the Hoover years and the assimilationist policies of the previous decades.
  • The Indian Reorganization Act was a direct response to the failed assimilationist policies of the previous decades, such as the Allotment System, which had resulted in the loss of millions of acres of tribal lands and the disruption of traditional Native American communities. The Act sought to reverse these policies by restoring tribal self-governance, allowing tribes to adopt constitutions and corporate charters, and prohibiting further allotment of tribal lands without consent. This shift towards supporting tribal self-determination was a significant departure from the Hoover administration's approach, which had continued to emphasize assimilation and the erosion of tribal sovereignty.
• Analyze how the implementation of the Indian Reorganization Act influenced the Second New Deal and its policies towards Native Americans.
  • The Indian Reorganization Act was a key component of the Second New Deal, as it represented a fundamental shift in the federal government's approach to Native American affairs. By restoring tribal self-governance and control over reservation lands, the Act empowered Native American communities to participate more actively in the economic and social programs of the Second New Deal. This included the establishment of a revolving credit fund to support the economic development of Native American communities, as well as the incorporation of tribal governments into the administration of federal programs and policies. The success of the Indian Reorganization Act also paved the way for the inclusion of Native Americans in the broader social welfare initiatives of the Second New Deal, such as the Social Security Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the Indian Reorganization Act on the relationship between the federal government and Native American tribes, particularly in the context of tribal sovereignty and self-determination.
  • The Indian Reorganization Act had a profound and lasting impact on the relationship between the federal government and Native American tribes. By restoring tribal self-governance and control over reservation lands, the Act laid the foundation for a new era of tribal sovereignty and self-determination. This shift away from the assimilationist policies of the past empowered Native American communities to make decisions about their own affairs, lands, and resources, and to participate more actively in the political and economic life of the nation. While the implementation of the Act was not without its challenges, it represented a significant step towards recognizing the inherent rights of Native American tribes and their right to self-govern. The legacy of the Indian Reorganization Act can be seen in the continued efforts of Native American communities to assert their sovereignty and shape their own futures, both within the context of the federal government and as distinct, self-governing nations.

Related terms

Allotment System: A federal policy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that divided communal tribal lands into individual allotments, with the goal of assimilating Native Americans into mainstream American society.

Tribal Sovereignty:

The inherent right of Native American tribes to self-govern and make decisions about their own affairs, lands, and resources.

Bureau of Indian Affairs: A federal agency responsible for administering and managing matters related to Native American tribes, including implementing federal policies and programs.