In 1987, the United States Senate established the Special Committee to investigate American Indian affairs. Fraud, corruption, and mismanagement were found pervading the institutions serving American Indians. Corruption was also discovered in Indian tribal governments. The Committee faulted Congress for failing to adequately oversee and reform…

Designed to provide insight into the Arizona Commission of Indian Affairs' proceedings, transactions, and findings, the 1984 annual report describes the year's efforts to improve communications, understanding, and working relationships between all concerned. After reviewing Commission meeting attendance and the attendance of related meetings, the…

Written in English and French, this paper outlines current Canadian intellectual property legislation as it relates to Aboriginal people in Canada, and provides a general review of the implications and limitations of this legislation for protecting the traditional knowledge of Aboriginal people. An initial discussion of Aboriginal perspectives…

Kake Tribal Corporation's purchase of a seafood cold storage facility in southeast Alaska is an example of the growing economic clout of Alaska's tribal corporations. However, many claim that the pro-development forces of corporations are weakening the subsistence economy and culture of Alaska Natives. Conflicts involve Native hunting and fishing…

After years of hardship and despite owning only 12 percent of its own reservation, the Nez Perce tribe is successfully pursuing community development. Factors include energetic tribal government, good intratribal communications, integrated planning for economic development and forest resource management, and emphasis on cultural preservation and…

Describes the leadership of the Lummi Nation, on the coast of Washington State, in environmental protection efforts worldwide. Highlights the role of two of their leaders, Kurt Russo and Jewell Praying Wolf James, in the tribe's efforts to protect the rainforests, tribal sacred lands, and local waterways. (MAB)

Discusses the effects of the recent proliferation of casinos on Native American reservations. Suggests that supporters feel that the economic prosperity and availability of jobs associated with the casinos are crucial for providing for the needs of the reservation's residents, whereas opponents fear an increase in serious gambling addictions. (MAB)

In traditional North American Indian societies, decisions are made by consensus rather than by authorities. Americans for Indian Opportunity (AIO), an organization concerned with the issue of tribal governance, considers poor communication and disagreements about issues of power, resources, and recognition to be among the causes for conflict…

Designed to provide insight into the proceedings, transactions, and findings of the Arizona Commission of Indian Affairs, this 1981-82 annual report reflects the Commission's efforts to improve communications, understanding and working relationships between tribes and state government to provide tribes with technical assistance. The report…

Technical amendments to the 1996 welfare reform legislation--the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA)--include new requirements for administering a state child support enforcement program. This document provides background information to American Indian tribes, Alaska Native villages, tribal courts, and…

Criticizes legislation sponsored by Senator Slade Gorton and other Republican members of Congress that would weaken tribal sovereignty and the federal government's trust responsibility. Republican proposals have included limiting tribal jurisdiction of reservation lands, drastically reducing Bureau of Indian Affairs spending, taxing the Indian…

Minnesota is a model for the involvement of state government in American Indian education. Successful activities include a program to retain and adequately prepare Indian students for postsecondary education and a need-based scholarship program. Persistent challenges include improvement of financial aid, academic and student support services, and…

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 nonprofit institute works to enhance tribal sovereignty and increase tribal capacity to protect the environment and manage both natural and human resources. Through internships, the institute aims to develop a cadre of scientific, environmental, legal, and other professionals knowledgeable about indigenous issues and cultural concerns. Tribes…

Consultants from Arizona State University and the Principal and Board of Trustees of the Blackwater Community School teamed together as partners and engaged in a process of school board training institutes endorsed by Public Law 95-56l which resulted in a policies and procedures manual for the operation of the school. (Author/CM)