Indian Reorganization Act

The Wheeler-Howard Bill became known as the Indian Reorganization Act, or IRA. It was proposed by the new Commissioner of Indian Affairs, John Collier who believed the breakup of the former tribal governments was a mistake. He believed in the sanctity of tribal land. The Act was intended to "conserve and develop Indian lands and resources; to extend to Indians the right to form businesses and other organizations; to establish a credit system for Indians; to grant certain rights of home rule; to provide for vocational opportunities and for other purposes." The bill received mixed support among the Five Tribes but was generally supported by the Chickasaws. On June 18, 1934 the bill became Public Law 383.