8. The Indian Reorganization Act and Self-Governance
The 1934 Indian Reorganization Act (IRA) marked a pivotal shift in U.S. policy, promoting tribal self-governance and ending the era of forced assimilation. The IRA encouraged tribes to draft their own constitutions and rebuild traditional government structures, revitalizing Native leadership and autonomy. This movement laid the groundwork for contemporary expressions of sovereignty and strengthened political identity. For more about the IRA and its significance, visit Britannica: Indian Reorganization Act.
