Wheeler-Howard Act

Definition

The Wheeler-Howard Act, also known as the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, aimed to reverse the assimilation policies imposed on Native Americans and promote self-governance and economic self-sufficiency. This act was a significant shift in federal policy, allowing tribes to establish their own governments and manage their lands while preserving their cultural identities. The act was a response to the detrimental effects of previous legislation like the Dawes Act, which had fragmented tribal lands and disrupted traditional practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Wheeler-Howard Act provided for the creation of tribal governments, allowing tribes to adopt constitutions and establish self-governance.
2. The act ended the practice of allotment and allowed tribes to regain control over previously lost lands.
3. It established a fund for economic development on reservations, aimed at promoting self-sufficiency among Native American communities.
4. The act was a response to the widespread poverty and dislocation experienced by Native Americans during the Great Depression.
5. The Wheeler-Howard Act marked a significant shift from previous federal policies focused on assimilation to one emphasizing tribal sovereignty and self-determination.

Review Questions

• How did the Wheeler-Howard Act address the issues caused by the Dawes Act?
  • The Wheeler-Howard Act directly responded to the issues created by the Dawes Act, which had led to significant land loss and cultural disruption among Native Americans. By ending the allotment system established by the Dawes Act, this new legislation aimed to restore tribal lands and promote self-governance. It recognized that previous policies had failed to support Native American communities effectively and sought to reverse some of those damaging effects through empowerment and land restoration.
• Discuss the provisions included in the Wheeler-Howard Act that promoted economic development for Native Americans.
  • The Wheeler-Howard Act included several key provisions designed to foster economic development among Native American tribes. One major aspect was the establishment of a fund specifically allocated for economic development projects on reservations. This allowed tribes to invest in their communities and create sustainable economies. Additionally, by promoting tribal governance, the act empowered tribes to make decisions tailored to their unique needs and circumstances, further enhancing their ability to improve economic conditions.
• Evaluate the impact of the Wheeler-Howard Act on Native American identity and self-determination in subsequent decades.
  • The Wheeler-Howard Act had a profound impact on Native American identity and self-determination in the decades following its passage. By recognizing tribal sovereignty and encouraging self-governance, the act helped revive cultural practices that had been suppressed under assimilationist policies. This shift towards self-determination allowed tribes to reclaim their identities and manage their affairs without federal interference. As a result, many tribes began re-establishing traditional governance structures and fostering cultural revitalization movements that continue to influence Native American communities today.

Related terms

Indian Reorganization Act:

A law passed in 1934 that aimed to restore tribal sovereignty and halt the allotment of tribal lands, allowing tribes to reorganize their governments.

Dawes Act:

An 1887 law that aimed to assimilate Native Americans into American society by allotting them individual plots of land and selling off surplus land to non-Natives.

Tribal Sovereignty: The inherent authority of indigenous tribes to govern themselves and make decisions about their own affairs, recognized by federal law.