The Indian Child Welfare Act places responsibility for implementing Indian welfare legislation onto Indian tribes themselves, rather than on the government bureaucracy. Successful implementation poses challenges concerning the establishment of comprehensive tribal courts, in view of sociocultural and environmental factors that have affected the…

Based on interviews conducted on the Mohawk Reservation at Akwesasne in 1980, this article focuses on some of the spiritual values which have deep roots in Mohawk culture. (CM)

Of major concern to American Indians are: government to government communications; development of Indian owned energy resources; federal budget changes as they affect the American Indian; preservation, protection, and quantification of inherent and reserved Indian water rights; preservation of treaty obligations; respect for tribal sovereignty;…

Overview of some of the most important Indian court cases of the last decade, including ones regarding treaty rights, tribal jurisdiction and sovereignty, tax jurisdiction, land claims, and hunting and fishing rights. (DS)

The Council of Energy Resource Tribes (CERT) and 25 coal-owning tribes recently completed a study of issues associated with control and reclamation of surface mining. Article presents their seven recommendations for legislation enabling tribes to have greater control over the regulation and reclamation of strip mining on their lands. (Author/DS)

Critically reviews modern writings about American Indians, focusing on Indian romance novels, children's stories, biographies, works by "urban mixed-bloods," and the "art for art's sake" stance. Views non-Native works as irrelevant and most Native writings as self-centered or escapist. Calls for Native intellectuals to…

Although rich in theoretical constructs, American Indian Studies is not considered a discipline because it lacks a core assumption or paradigm. The concept of peoplehood could be that core assumption because its elements--language, sacred history, religion, and land--make up a complete system that accounts for particular behaviors of people…

Examines circumstances of Californian Indians' unacknowledged and terminated tribes, the legal history and current status of their claims, and cultural and economic problems facing many tribes. Recommends a study of California Indian conditions leading to appropriate comprehensive federal legislation. Includes lists of restoration and…

Examines development of federal-Indian trust relationship and separate "government-government" relationship between U.S. government and federally recognized tribes. Analyzes inconsistencies produced by government's administration of two relationships. Sees trust relationship (guardianship doctrine) as one aspect of government-government…

The 1953 Termination Resolution set up a process for abolishing the trust status of Indian tribes and appropriating reservation resources for use by non-Indians. Colville Confederated Tribes in north-central Washington struggled with the question of termination and ultimately rejected it amid power struggles between antitermination…

Profiles the career of Barbara Booher, previously first Native American woman to superintend Custer Battlefield National Park (Montana), and now American Indian liaison for the National Park Service. Describes her efforts to persuade Congress to change the park name to Little Bighorn National Monument. Discusses career opportunities for Native…

At present, Congress is resuscitating the process of bilateral agreements that would restore some tribal autonomy to participating tribes. On the other hand, the Supreme Court has upheld federal-agency property rights or state interests over Indian rights to practice traditional religions and frequent sacred places. Contains 120 references. (SV)

Since 1973, the Heritage Centre and its precursors on Walpole Island First Nations Reserve (Ontario) have countered environmental threats through research, creation of environmental management plans, and youth education and employment in environmental projects. A study of four critical environmental events shows how community support was mobilized…

Compares the recent advances of Western science to ancient views of Native American tribes. Indicates that "advances" such as chaos theory and zoopharmacognosy are long-standing elements of Native American traditional knowledge. Suggests that tribal colleges must assert themselves and become the primary symbols of authority on tribal culture. (MAB)

This newsletter article addresses the increasing role of telecommunications and its effect on American Indian institutions. Advocates believe that telecommunications could make rural Indian reservations more viable places to live, work, educate children, and treat illnesses. Additionally, new technology could revolutionize reservation economies.…