tion (WPA), the National Youth Administration (NYA) and the Resettlement Administration. During the depression, Native Americans accumulated huge debts to the Federal Government due to road and bridge construction, irrigation projects and the expansion of tribal herds. John Collier convinced Secretary of Interior Harold Ickes, to use executive powers to eliminate these financial burdens. By far the most significant reforms of the Indian New Deal were contained in the Indian Reorganization Act (IRA). Passed by Congress in 1934, the IRA was extensive in its scope. Most importantly it reversed land allotment policies of the past and suggested that the U.S. government could buy back land to restore what the Indians had lost. Furthermore, it allowed Native American communities to form constitutional and corporate organizations. Once established, these entities could access a revolving credit program. For individual Indians a loan program was established that could be used for education. Finally, funds were appropriated for conservation programs, training and preservation of Indian culture. Oklahoma politicians lobbied fiercely against the IRA and were successful in excepting Oklahoma tribes. However, John Collier was determined to extend certain provisions of the IRA to Oklahoma Indians. After much political wrangling and compromise, the Oklahoma Indian Welfare Act was passed by Congress in June 1936. This act provided for communal ownership of property, the right to form tribal constitutions and corporations and the ability to access a $2 million dollar credit fund. During his twelve-year career as commissioner of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, John Collier was able to affect tremendous improvements in the quality of life for many Indian communities. The Indian New Deal allowed Native Americans to survive the worst economic period in United States history and afforded many a higher standard of living than they had in the previous decade. Be...
