What is the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934?
The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, also known as the Wheeler-Howard Act, was a federal law designed to help revitalize Native American culture and entities. In essence, the Act provided a way for Native American tribes to establish their own government structures, which were to be recognized by the federal government as well as state governments. The Act also allowed Native American people to acquire land, regulate hunting and fishing rights, and set up their own economic systems. The act was met with strong resistance from some Native American tribes, who argued that the act was a way for the United States government to further oppress their cultures and rights. As such, some tribes chose to not participate in the Act, while others chose to accept the terms of the Act in order to gain some control over their lives and cultures. In Florida, the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 was not used by tribes to the extent that it was used in other parts of the United States. Most Florida tribes did not take part in the Act, preferring instead to keep their cultures and governments in tact. As a result, the majority of tribal governments in Florida remain under the control of the state government. Overall, the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 was an attempt by the U.S. government to help Native American tribes in the United States. The Act was met with much resistance, but those who chose to participate, such as some Native American tribes in Florida, were able to gain some control over their lives and cultures.
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