The Indian Reorganization Act: Congresses and Bills

by Vine Deloria Jr.

Overview

In 1934, Commissioner of Indian Affairs John Collier began a series of “congresses” with American Indians to discuss his proposed federal bill for granting self-government to tribal reservations. For the first time, the reservation Indian was asked for input in the structuring of American Indian relations with federal and state government and law. In The Indian Reorganization Act, Vine Deloria, Jr., has compiled the actual historical records of those congresses.

Deloria makes available important documents of the premier years of reform in federal Indian policy as well as the bill itself. A version of Collier’s act eventually passed Congress, but in a less far-reaching form. Nevertheless, a new concept of self-government had emerged, one that now defines the federal government’s approach to American Indian policy and that has changed forever the way American Indians define themselves.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780806133980
Publisher:	University of Oklahoma Press
Publication date:	07/15/2002
Pages:	464
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Vine Deloria, Jr., (1933–2005) was Professor of Political Science at the University of Arizona and the author of a number of books and articles on events affecting the lives of American Indians. He served as the Executive Director of the National Congress of American Indians and was an active spokesman and leader for the American Indian community throughout the nation.