Oklahoma Indian Welfare Act
Encyclopedia
The Oklahoma Indian Welfare Act of 1936, also known as the Thomas-Rogers Act, is a United States federal law that extended the US Indian Reorganization Act
of 1934. It sought to return some form of tribal government to the many tribes in former Indian Territory
. This act extended the law to include those tribes within the boundaries of the state of Oklahoma
whose territory had been divided up by a series of land allotments known as the Oklahoma "land run
s".
Indian Reorganization Act
The Indian Reorganization Act of June 18, 1934 the Indian New Deal, was U.S. federal legislation that secured certain rights to Native Americans, including Alaska Natives...
of 1934. It sought to return some form of tribal government to the many tribes in former Indian Territory
Indian Territory
The Indian Territory, also known as the Indian Territories and the Indian Country, was land set aside within the United States for the settlement of American Indians...
. This act extended the law to include those tribes within the boundaries of the state of Oklahoma
Oklahoma
Oklahoma is a state located in the South Central region of the United States of America. With an estimated 3,751,351 residents as of the 2010 census and a land area of 68,667 square miles , Oklahoma is the 28th most populous and 20th-largest state...
whose territory had been divided up by a series of land allotments known as the Oklahoma "land run
Land run
Land run usually refers to an historical event in which previously restricted land of the United States was opened for homesteading on a first arrival basis. Some newly opened lands were sold first-come, sold by bid, or won by lottery, or by means other than a run...
s".
Major points of the act
- United States Secretary of the InteriorUnited States Secretary of the InteriorThe United States Secretary of the Interior is the head of the United States Department of the Interior.The US Department of the Interior should not be confused with the concept of Ministries of the Interior as used in other countries...
is authorized to obtain good lands (including Indian lands) to be held in trust for the Indians. - Where Indian lands are sold, the Secretary of the Interior shall show preference to obtain those lands for the use by Native Americans.
- Any tribe residing within OklahomaOklahomaOklahoma is a state located in the South Central region of the United States of America. With an estimated 3,751,351 residents as of the 2010 census and a land area of 68,667 square miles , Oklahoma is the 28th most populous and 20th-largest state...
shall have the right to self-determination, including the right to make their own bylaws.
External links
- Cherokee Observer
- Oklahoma Indian Welfare Act
- "Federal Indian Policy", National Archives & Records Administration Digital Classroom]