Indian+Reorganization+Act

**Indian Reorganization Act﻿ **
In **1934**, he persuaded Congress to pass the **Indian Reorganization Act.** The act terminated the allotment program of the Dawes Severalty Act of 1887; provided funds for tribes to purchase new land; offered government recognition of tribal constitutions; and repealed prohibitions on **Native American** languages and customs. That same year, federal grants were provided to local school districts, hospitals, and social welfare agencies to assist Native Americans.

Those opposed to the Act feared that it would be detrimental to them because it would be controlled by the federal government.

Courts have interpreted the term "Indians" to include all people of Native American descent who are members or descendants of any recognized American Indian tribe under federal jurisdiction and are residing within the boundaries of any Native American reservation. The word **"tribe"** refers to any **organized band, pueblo, or Native American people residing on one reservation,** including any group that meets the definition of "Indians" under the act. Finally, the federal government need not recognize American Indian people in order for them to be considered a tribe. Part of Congress' intent was to help Native Americans achieve economic parity with white people, while not becoming dependent on state governments. **The goal of the act, however, is to give greater independence to local tribes, no individual members.**

The act has been expanded since 1934 by amendments adding new territories and greater flexibility in the act's application.**Thousands** of people from Indian tribes across America are still living with the impact of the Indian New Deal. Indians today are United States citizens, but they are also citizens of their tribes. Like other Americans, Indians are subject to federal laws, but they are not always subject to state laws. Indian reservations are held in trust by the federal government for the tribes, so state laws do not always extend to their reservation lands.**The IRA allowed--even urged--tribes to form tribal governments and conduct their own internal affairs.**



The Indian Reorganization Act was passed in 1934 as an attempt to secure new rights for Native Americans on reservations. Its main provisions were to restore to Native Americans management of their assets; **to prevent further depletion of reservation resources; to build a sound economic foundation for the prople of the reservations; and to return to the Natice Americans local self-government on a tribal basis.** The objectives of the bill were vigorously pursued until the outbeak of **World War II**. Although the act is still in effect, many Native Americans question its supposed purpose of gradual assimilation; their opposition reflects their efforts to reduce federal condescension in the treatment of Native Americans and their cultures. media type="youtube" key="aUzYTeY6Q-M" height="339" width="399" align="center"

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