Indian Reorganization Act (IRA)

The Indian Reorganization Act (IRA) of 1934 was U.S. legislation aimed at restoring Native American tribes' self-governance and reducing federal control. It encouraged tribes to establish their own governments, manage reservations, and preserve their cultures and traditions. The IRA also ended individual land allotments under the Dawes Act, helping tribes regain communal land holdings. Overall, it marked a shift toward recognizing tribes as sovereign entities, promoting their social, cultural, and economic development.