Final answer:
The Indian Reorganization Act provided expanded protections for Native Americans by restoring tribal self-governance, promoting communal land ownership, and supporting cultural and economic development.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Indian Reorganization Act expanded protections for Native Americans by restoring tribal self-governance. It shifted federal policy away from assimilation and allotment of lands under the Dawes Act to one of autonomy and communal ownership. This act allowed the collective ownership of Native American lands by tribes, significantly reduced the number of boarding schools that sought to assimilate Native American children, and permitted the establishment of tribal councils to govern reservations. Additionally, it provided financial support for economic development and the purchase of lost lands and facilitated the study and preservation of Native American culture. Although it faced criticism for maintaining some federal oversight, the act marked a significant step towards recognizing and reinstating indigenous sovereignty and rights.