1934 Indian Reorganization Act

On June 18, 1934, Congress passed the Indian Reorganization Act (48 Stat. 984). Section 16 of the act allowed one or more tribes or bands residing on the same reservation to consolidate and reorganize as a single "tribe" by adopting constitutions and bylaws.



In 1934, four historic Sioux bands were residing on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in South Dakota, the Minneconjou, Blackfeet, Two Kettle, and No Bows. These four historic Sioux bands consolidated and reorganized under section 16 of the IRA as the "Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe."



In 1934, the historic Oglala band was residing on the Pine Ridge Reservation. The band also consisted of members from other Sioux bands who were incorporated into the tribe (such as Chief Lip's band, whose members were Hunkpapa and Brule Sioux). The historic Oglala band and the members of other Sioux bands residing on the Pine Ridge Reservation consolidated and reorganized under section 16 of the IRA as the "Oglala Sioux Tribe."