Intended for social work students and social service providers, this introductory text has as its primary target audience non-Indian human service providers wishing to expand their appreciation of Indian culture as a means to more effective social work practices appropriate to Indian communities. The text is organized under five sections which cover the following areas: (1) introduction to diverse lifestyles, culture, and customs of the Southwest Indian tribes; (2) Indian extended families, clan systems, and tribal social networks and their impact upon tribal members' beliefs and behavior; (3) social practice concepts (dual perspective, motivation, and stabilization) in relation to preserving and strengthening Native American families; (4) the nature of the federal-tribal relationship and its significance in the lives of Indian people; and (5) child and family welfare services available to Indians including the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Indian Health Service, tribally operated social services, and voluntary agencies. Specific unit topics under these broad headings include tribal and Christian religions, eating and cooking habits, child rearing, Native American games, comparison of Native American and Anglo lifestyles, and policy development periods in federal-tribal relations. Each major section contains an introduction, table of contents, units of study, study questions, and bibliography. (JHZ)