Clarifies the Navajo Tribal Council's policy on Navajo control of education. Asserts that education of this tribe's children has been disastrous and discusses priorities for strengthening it. Emphasizes the necessary involvement of family, community, and tribal government in structuring Navajo education and determining its goals. (KH)

Describes the state of confusion that exists among the Canadian government, society, and the Canadian Indian Community. Reviews the ongoing constitutional debate in Canada. Calls for better communication between the Canadian majority population and Canadian Indians. (CFR)

Presents a lesson on American Indian tribal sovereignty. Discusses the concept of sovereignty as it developed in the United States. Describes three Supreme Court decisions that established (1) Indian tribes were sovereign before European contact and (2) some sovereign powers were restricted after the United States was established. Includes a chart…

Argues that the present methods of analysis such as pluralism, elitism, and institutionalism are insufficient paradigms to accurately discuss questions of vital concern to American Indian tribes. A study of 40 political science texts found only one considered to be adequate in describing Indian concerns. (GG)

Describes life on a Canadian Indian reserve and discusses the role of the community in individuals' lives. Examines reasons why Canadian Indian teachers want to teach on the reserves. Concludes that the opportunity to serve as role models and a commitment to the community are the major reasons for teaching in these schools. (CFR)

A 2- or 3-day activity for middle and high school students, this unit is designed to familiarize students with the concept and reality of tribal governments as they exist today in American Indian tribes. Objectives are to enable students to: (1) become aware that American Indian tribal governments, people, and reservations exist in the United…

This curriculum unit introduces students to the relationship between the federal government and American Indians through five narrative descriptions of the related legislation, laws, and court interpretations. The narratives cover: (1) the historical basis of federal Indian law and the government-to-government relationship; (2) legal definitions…

This document is intended to give students an overview of laws in Wyoming. Subjects covered include civil and criminal law; courts in Wyoming; juvenile law, juvenile court procedure; rights of children; family law; employment law; automobile-related law; laws affecting the schools; and citizenship rights and responsibilities. The laws and courts…

Describes the organization, content, and outcomes of a program to train Inuit leaders to be effective school board members for the Baffin Divisional Board of Education when the Inuit first assumed control of that region's schools. Topics include school board role and formulation of educational goals and policies. (JHZ)

Presents interesting and concise background material on an 1874 treaty between Canadian Indians and colonists concerning hunting and fishing rights. Includes a copy of the treaty as well as learning activities utilizing document analysis. The activities ask pertinent questions of each paragraph in the document. (MJP)

Comments upon the recent controversy concerning Canadian natives and their occupation of land surrounding Lake Gustafson. The Indians eventually surrendered to tribal authorities. General consensus among the media, the public, and local students was that Canadian authorities overreacted and used heavy-handed tactics during negotiations. (MJP)

Maintains that, over the past 25 years, Native Americans in Canada have managed to gain control of their own educational systems. Contends that, with the current political structure, achieving and maintaining continuity and stability is difficult but not impossible. (CFR)

Discusses the expulsion of the Choctaw Indians from their lands in the U.S. southeast as a result of the Indian Removal Act of 1830. Provides a lesson plan using a primary source document along with accompanying discussion questions. Includes a three-page letter that is the deposition of a Choctaw Indian protesting removal. (CFR)

Provides an overview of historic Native American tribal government structures and discusses ways of integrating this subject into the social studies curriculum. Specifically examines the tribal governments of the Iroquois, Muscogee, Lakota, and Pueblos. Includes illustrations, a list of references, and suggested teaching activities. (MJP)

Argues that Canadian Indians should establish their own universities and exert complete control over them. Compares higher education in Saudi Arabia and Nigeria, using Saudi Arabia as an example of a country that managed to reap the benefits of Western educational expertise without sacrificing its own culture and values. (JHZ)