The Self-Determination Period saw many important legislative changes to improve the lives of Indigenous Peoples.

In 1965, with passage of the Voting Rights Act and subsequent legislation in 1970, 1975, and 1982, many other voting protections for Native Americans were reaffirmed and strengthened.

Other important legislation during this period includes the following:

• Indian Civil Rights Act - 1968: Establishes civil rights for all people under tribal government jurisdiction and authorizes the Federal Government to enforce these rights.
• Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act - 1975: Recognizes the Federal trust responsibility and directs the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Indian Health Services to contract with the tribes for programs that these agencies administer such as education, health, and human services.
• American Indian Religious Freedom Act - 1978: Preserves the rights of American Indians to practice traditional religious beliefs.
• Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act - 1990: Requires notification and return of human remains and cultural items to Indian tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations. Also regulates the excavation of federal and tribal land where remains or items may be discovered.