Background
The Indian Defense Association was founded in 1923 by John Collier, an emerging critic of the federal Indian policies that
had taken shape in the wake of the 1887 Dawes General Allotment Act. In 1920, Mabel Dodge Luhan invited Collier, then a social
worker and adult educator in California, to Taos, New Mexico, where he observed Pueblo Indian culture and developed a strong
interest in its preservation. Shortly after his stay in Taos, Collier was appointed field worker for the General Federation
of Women's Club's Committee on Indian Welfare, a position that allowed him both to investigate the living conditions of Indians
in the Southwest and in California and to formulate ideas for reforming Indian policy. The Indian Defense Association was
founded, with initial funding from prominent women in the Caliofrnia women's club movement, to investigate and educate the
public about Indian living conditions as well as to promote government policies that, in the words of the IDA, "would permit
the Indian to remain spiritually and physically on this earth" (see founding documents in carton 4, folder 15). Collier and
the IDA sought to protect Indian rights to their land as well as their rights to practice their own religions. The IDA would
over the course of its existence advocate and lobby on issues relating to all aspects of Indian life in the United States,
including land, religion, housing, health, and education. The IDA had its main headquarters in Washington, D.C., where it
could be close to the government bodies and agencies that shaped Indian policy. The Indian Defense Association of Central
and Northern California (with offices in San Francisco) acted as a west coast headquarters. The IDA also had other California
branches in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. The California branches were active in issues relating to California Indians but
were also crucial advocates for Indians throughout the Southwest.
Extent
17 Linear Feet
12 cartons, 2 boxes, 2 oversize boxes, 2 cardfile boxes
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