Indian Reorganisation (1928-1942) I::

The Meriam Report

The extreme assimilationism of the allotment period was tempered a little, in the late 1920s and early 1930s, during a period of 'Indian reorganisation'. More tolerance towards traditional aspects of Indian culture was shown in Indian policy and new protections were provided for some Indian rights, although the concept of assimilation remained as strong as ever.

A two-year non-governmental study was implemented, at the request of the Secretary of the Interior, Hubert Work, into the administration of Indian policy and its impact on Indian life. The Meriam Report was published in 1928, and brought to the public's attention the disheartening living conditions of Indians: the poverty, disease, and discontent, which it described as pervading most tribal societies. It also criticised an inefficient and paternalistic Indian policy administration that neither supported nor encouraged Indian self-sufficiency.

One of the Report's central recommendations was that Indian policy be broadened so that Indians could "be absorbed into the prevailing civilisation or be fitted to live in the presence of that civilisation at least in accordance with a minimum standard of health and decency" (Institute for Government Research 1928:21).¹

Notes::

• 1 - Institute for Government Research (L. Meriam, ed.). 1928. The Problem of Indian Administration. Baltimore: The John Hopkins Press.