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 in the United States that was designed to reverse the Indian assimilation policies of the previous 50 years. It promoted self-governance among native American tribes, and gave them greater power to manage their own affairs. In Tennessee, the act closed the Indian Territory, opened hundreds of acres of land to tribal members, and provided funds for the construction of schools, roads, and other infrastructure. It also allowed for the sale of timber and land, and gave tribal members a share of the proceeds. The act also granted tribes the right to elect their own officials, create constitutions, and exercise power on behalf of the tribe as a whole. The act allowed for greater control of tribal lands, and gave tribal members a more direct say in their future. It has been credited with helping to restore many tribal cultures, customs, and languages, and is still in effect today.

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