What act restored tribal ownership of lands and recognized tribal governments in 1934?

The Indian Reorganization Act, enacted in 1934, was a significant piece of legislation aimed at reversing some of the damage caused by previous policies, such as the Dawes Act, which had led to the significant loss of tribal land. This act sought to restore tribal ownership of lands and recognized the sovereignty of tribal governments, fostering a new era of self-governance among Native American tribes. It aimed to encourage the reestablishment of tribal communities and aimed to improve the economic conditions of Native Americans by promoting self-determination and preserving their cultural identity.

The act is often viewed as a response to the failures of previous assimilation policies that had aimed to integrate Native Americans into mainstream American society, which often stripped them of their lands and traditions. By recognizing tribal governments and restoring lands, the Indian Reorganization Act played a crucial role in the revival of Native American culture and communities during the 20th century.