Indian New Deal
The Indian New Deal, also known as the Indian Reorganization Act (IRA), was a significant legislative effort enacted by the U.S. Congress on June 18, 1934, aimed at reducing federal control over Native American Nations. Spearheaded by John Collier, who served as the director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs from 1933 to 1945, the initiative sought to reform federal policies impacting Indigenous peoples. The IRA abolished the allotment of tribal lands, encouraged tribal self-governance, and established programs to enable tribes to reacquire lost lands. It also focused on enhancing education and health services for Native Americans, shifting from boarding schools to day schools, and improving public health initiatives.
The period saw a revival of cultural practices as restrictions on traditional ceremonies were lifted, promoting religious freedoms. Economic development was another crucial aspect, enabling tribes to manage resources and access public programs similarly to other Americans. However, Collier's approach faced criticism, particularly for its emphasis on preserving Native American traditions rather than fostering assimilation into mainstream culture. His resignation in 1945 marked a turning point, yet his impact on federal policy regarding Native Americans remains significant.
Indian New Deal
The Indian New Deal, also called the Indian Reorganization Act (IRA) or the Wheeler-Howard Act, refers to a plan enacted by the US Congress on June 18, 1934, to limit federal control over Native American Nations. American sociologist and writer John Collier’s innovative years as director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (1933–1945) were instrumental in enacting these changes in governmental policies. Collier was an energetic and humane visionary who sought to revolutionize federal policies regarding the rights of American Indians. The keystone of New Deal Indian reform was the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, which ended allotment, organized Tribal self-government, established revolving loan programs, and provided a mechanism for Tribes to buy back lost lands.
Collier also aimed to improve education and health options for Indigenous Americans. Day schools began to replace boarding schools, and preventive health programs reduced the incidence of certain diseases. Religious freedoms also were extended to American Indian people during this time, and bans on traditional ceremonies were lifted.
Economic development was among the most lasting achievements in the New Deal era. Tribes were aided in developing resources, preserving the reservation land base, and participating in a variety of public programs available to other Americans. Increasingly, Collier’s revolutionary ideas were attacked, partly because they encouraged American Indian traditions and respect for Native American culture rather than the assimilation of people into mainstream American life. Collier resigned in 1945 amid increasing criticism but left a definite mark on federal policy.
Bibliography
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Boyd, Colleen. “‘The Indians Themselves Are Greatly Enthused’: The Wheeler-Howard Act and the (Re)-Organization of Klallam Space.” Journal of Northwest Anthropology, vol. 43, no. 1, 2009, pp. 3–26.
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