What is the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934?

The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 (also known as the Wheeler-Howard Act) was a US federal law that was intended to strengthen Native American tribal self-governance. Essentially, the Act was created to recognize and protect Native American tribal sovereignty and culture. It authorized tribes to create and maintain organizations for self-government, which gave them the right to manage their own internal affairs. The Act also recognized and respected Native American land rights, provided assistance to tribal governments, and allowed tribes to create constitutions and bylaws. In Montana, the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 created a system of Federal recognition for the various Indian tribes and nations in the state. This recognition gave the tribes certain rights and protections under federal law, such as the right to create their own constitutions and bylaws and to manage their own internal affairs. The Act also changed the way in which land was handled by the tribes, allowing them to own and manage large parcels of land in their own right. The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 made a significant impact on Montana’s Native American tribes, as it allowed them to further assert their sovereignty and control over their own affairs, while also providing them with protection from the federal government. It was an important step in promoting greater civil rights for Native Americans and providing them with the recognition they deserved.

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