jan 1, 1934 - The Indian Reoranization Act
(Wheeler Howard Act)
Description:
This was the first move made by the government to preserve Native American culture and involve them in the administration of the reservations.
Many of the Meriam report’s recommendations for reform were incorporated in the Indian Reorganization Act. The act curtailed the future allotment of tribal communal lands to individuals and provided for the return of surplus lands to the tribes rather than to homesteaders. It also encouraged written constitutions and charters giving Indians the power to manage their internal affairs. Finally, funds were authorised for the establishment of a revolving credit program for tribal land purchases, for educational assistance, and for aiding tribal organisation.
About 160 tribes or villages adopted written constitutions under the act’s provisions. Through the revolving credit fund, many Indians improved their economic position. With the funds for purchase of land, millions of additional acres were added to the reservations. Greatly improved staffs and services were provided in health and education, with more than half of all Indian children in public school by 1950. The act awakened a wider interest in civic affairs, and Indians began asking for the franchise, which they had been technically granted in 1924.
(britannica.com)
The Act gave Native Americans:
- the right to practise their religion
- the right to undertake ceremonial dances and celebrations
- the ability to prevent the sale of Native American lands to individual buyers
- extension of political rights to Native American women
- brought an end to the Allotment Policy
However, the original proposals were modified so that assimilation rather than separation for Native Americans was pursued. There were some improvements but it didn't lead to tribes becoming self-sufficient. Furthermore, lands that should have been given back under the act were not returned and much of the funding that was supposed to improve conditions on the reservations was transferred to the war effort once the USA became involved in WWII in 1941.
Added to timeline:
Native Americans and Civil Rights
1865 - 1992
Date:
