What is the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934?
The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 was passed by Congress to reverse the long-standing policy of “Assimilation” of Native Americans into American society, which had been in place from the late 19th century until 1934. This policy had concentrated on removing Native Americans from their tribal lands, putting children in “Assimilation” schools where they were taught to abandon their Native traditions and culture, and generally forcing Native Americans to become more like non-Native Americans. The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, also known as the "Indian New Deal”, sought to reverse this policy and allow Native American tribes to retain their self-government, culture, and lands. The act provided tribes with loans and grants to help re-establish their lands, allowed tribes to create their own formal governments, and established funds to purchase land for Native American reservations. In California, the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 was especially beneficial. Before the act, Native Americans in California were facing serious land and resource loss. The act allowed for California tribes to re-establish their lands, regain control of their resources, and form their own governments. As of today, the tribes are allowed to manage their own affairs, and the act has helped to protect their cultural traditions and resources, allowing the tribes to maintain their independence.
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