1942 - Black Hills Claim dismissed

1942 - The Black Hills Claim Case dismissed, along with 17 related claims at approximately the same time.

1928 - Merraim Report

The Merraim Report of 1928 is often seen as one of the most complete analysis of Native American affairs ever done. It was delivered to Congress highlighting the lack of opportunities in higher education, inadequate services and expenditures in all areas of administration including health care, housing, and education in general. The Meriam Report described the condition of the American Indians on reservations as deplorable.

1934 - Indian Reorganization Act

This act was to reestablishes Indian rights and self governments. John Collier proposed altering the way the United States government did business with the tribes through the Indian Reorganization Act. Collier proposed formal recognition of the tribal councils that existed on reservations and more tribal input into federal decision-making that affect Indian people.The Tribes had the choice to reorganize under a constitition form pf government which at least in theory gave the tribes greater autonomy.
Learning that the IRA would limit the tribe's sovereignty, Standing Rock people did not choose to reorganize under the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934. In 1914 the Standing Rock Tribal Council adopted a consttutional form of government and even without accepting the IRA, Standing Rock revised its consititution.
Today Standing Rock is governed by a tribal council elected by the eight district on the reservation.

1938 - Wounded Knee Reparations

1938 Wounded Knee Reparations Hearings
survivors from Ghost Dance killings testify Congress on human rights violations

1944 - National Congress of American indian

The National Congress of American Indians was established to protect the rights of Indian people.

1944 - Pick Sloan Plan

The Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program, formerly called the Missouri River Basin Project, was initially authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1944, which approved the general comprehensive plan for the conservation, control, and use of water resources in the entire Missouri River Basin. The intended beneficial uses of these water resources include flood control, aids to navigation, irrigation, supplemental water supply, power generation, municipal and industrial water supplies, stream-pollution abatement, sediment control, preservation and enhancement of fish and wildlife, and creation of recreation opportunities.

1946 - Black Hills land is not for sale.

1946 - Indian Claims Commission Act is passed, allowing monetary compensation for taken land, but no possible return of it. A claim is initiated again "on behalf" of the Lakota. again, the Lakota state that the land is not for sale.

1946 - First Tribal Chair Woman

Standing Rock elected their first Standing Rock Chairwoman Josephine Gates Kelly in 1946. Mrs Josephine Kelly was the first Indian woman delegate to a Republican National Convention.

1946 - Resistance to

1946 Resistance to "emancipation" bills Lakota refuse tribal alienation with claims to traditional identities and treaties

1948 - Building of the Oahe Dam

In 1948 the Army Coprp of Ebngineers began construction of the Oahe Dam. Despite intense opposition from the Standing Rock Tribal Council 160,889 acres of prime agricultural and rangeland was flooded and 25% of the reservation populace was forced to move to other parts of the reservastion. The impact on the reservation has been significant losses in the economic and psychological terms.