What is the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934?

The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 is a federal law in the United States created to promote Native American self-government. The Act reversed prior federal policy that had encouraged Native Americans to assimilate into white culture. Under the Act, federal policy sought to recognize, protect, and preserve Native American language, religion, and culture. The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 is best known for allowing the United States government to fund the formation of self-governing American Indian tribes and tribal governments. This law allocated money to tribal governments to purchase land, develop economic resources, establish health and education services, and organize a tribal government to represent the interests of its members. Additionally, the Act allowed the government to purchase land for reservation expansion and to issue bonds that allowed Native American groups to access capital. In California, the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 has been instrumental in establishing and protecting tribal sovereignty. For example, the Act established the 1951 California Rancheria Act, which gave California Indian tribes the ability to acquire their own land, to govern without interference from state or federal government, and to establish their own legal systems. The Act also provided for the establishment of the Indian Claims Commission, which allowed for the settlement of claims for land and other losses suffered by California Native Americans. Today, the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 continues to shape Native American law in California. While the Act has been amended and updated over the years, its key provisions remain intact, providing Native Americans with an important legal framework for their rights and their relationship with the federal and state governments.

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What is the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934?

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