1934: Commissioner calls for religious freedom for American Indians

Commissioner of Indian Affairs, John Collier, issues a circular on American Indian religious freedom, questioning local and regional bans on traditional ceremonies and practices. Many of these traditions have continued to be practiced underground, but Collier’s call opens the door for a public revival led by American Indian healers, who reintroduce ceremonial practices prohibited for decades and, in some cases, for centuries.

Theme

Federal-Tribal Relations, Native Rights

Region

Arctic, California, Great Basin, Great Plains, Northeast, Northwest Coast, Plateau, Southeast, Southwest, Subarctic