The 1940-1950s: A return to assimilation and away from cross cultural training

During World War II, funding for reservations had been cut back. Buildings deteriorated. Schools were closed.

A 1944 report recommended that students should again attend off-reservation boarding schools as they had at the turn of the century.

The policy of "de-Indianizing the Indian" was back in fashion.

However, a new force joined with reformers during the next decade and a half: organized Indian leadership. The fight against assimilation served as a unifying force, propelling Indian people into increasingly responsible roles in controlling their own future.