Synopses & Reviews
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 Colliers 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 governments approach to American Indian policy and that has changed forever the way American Indians define themselves.
Synopsis
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. In
The Indian Reorganization Act, Vine Deloria, Jr., compiled the actual historical records of those congresses and made available important documents of the premier years of reform in federal Indian policy as well as the bill itself.
About the Author
Vine Deloria, Jr., Professor of Political Science at the University of Arizona, was 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.