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 passed to support the sovereignty of Native American tribal governments in the United States. The Act recognized the right of Native American tribes to organize their own governments, form their own business and religious organizations, and to participate in their own economic and cultural development. It reversed an earlier policy of allowing the federal government to take Native American lands and resources in exchange for government aid, and instead recognized the right of Native American tribes to own and control their own lands. The Act allowed for federal grants that could be used to help Native American tribes in health, education, and economic development, as well as providing federal funds for tribal projects. It also allowed for loans to tribes and allowed Native American governments to issue their own bonds for economic development. Additionally, it allowed Native American tribes to form their own governments, elect their own leaders, and pass their own laws and regulations. The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 was revolutionary for the time in its recognition of the inherent rights of Native American tribes and their right to maintain their culture and their own economic and political autonomy. This Act has been an important tool in restoring sovereignty to the many Native American tribes throughout the United States.
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