What is the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934?
The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, also known as the Wheeler-Howard Act, was passed by Congress with the intention of undoing many of the policies that had been harmful to Native American people for generations. This act reversed the General Allotment Act of 1887, which had resulted in large amounts of tribal land being taken away from Native Americans and sold to non-Indians. It also provided for the formation of tribal organizations for the purpose of governing their affairs, and the protection of tribal sovereignty over their lands. The law also provided funding for economic development, educational assistance, and the preservation of Native American culture and language. In Oklahoma, the act resulted in the official recognition of the Muscogee (Creek) and Seminole nations and allowed for the creation of several other tribal governments. The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 remains an essential piece of legislation for protecting Native American rights in Oklahoma and throughout the United States today.
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