Indian Reorganization Act
The Indian Reorganization Act (IRA), enacted in 1934, aimed to reverse the assimilation policies of the previous decades that sought to integrate Native Americans into mainstream American society. It sought to restore some degree of self-governance and control over tribal lands, allowing tribes to establish their own governments and manage their resources.
The IRA also provided financial assistance to tribes and encouraged the creation of tribal constitutions. This act marked a significant shift in U.S. policy towards Native Americans, moving from a focus on assimilation to one of recognition and support for tribal sovereignty and cultural preservation.