Introduction

The federal government's first systematic course of action focused on a national policy that entailed westward expansion and the acquisition of Indian land. By analyzing the desire for Indian land within the context of national policy, scholars can only provide a partial analysis of the development of Indian policy. Reservation annuities ended and reservation land held in trust by the government was eventually turned over to the individual Indian allottees within a period of twenty-five years or more. The Commissioner of Indian Affairs John Collier promised Native Americans a New Deal and a renewed respect for Native culture. The Indian New Deal began with the repeal of the further allotment of Indian lands. The Alaska Reorganization Act (ARA) not only confirmed Native self-government, but it also provided for a different kind of New Deal. Nevertheless, under the Indian New Deal, modern day Indian reformers trusted Native governments would achieve autonomy and economic independence over time if given the right circumstances.