This paper describes selected settings, circumstances, problems, and barriers to research in Indian country, and suggests ways to mitigate or overcome such problems and barriers. Examples are drawn from four research projects. Distinctions are drawn among sponsors of research in Indian country (usually federal agencies); consumers of such research (sponsors, Congress, universities, and other research institutions); and stakeholders (sponsors, consumers, tribes, and national and regional Native organizations). Federal agencies sponsoring research in Native communities and the types of research sponsored are discussed. Sampling issues are especially problematic, given the diversity of tribes and their geographic dispersion. Problems and approaches to identifying a sample frame and drawing a representative sample are examined. Emerging tribal influence on research in Indian country is discussed, along with typical tribal requirements of researchers. Five such requirements are detailed: hiring tribal members to assist in research activities; demonstrating how findings will benefit the tribe and tribal members; guaranteeing that the research protocol does no harm to the tribe, its members, or the environment; guaranteeing confidentiality or anonymity; and publishing results only after tribal review and approval. The processes involved in obtaining three levels of approval for research are described: approvals by institutional review boards, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and the tribe. Ethical dilemmas confronting researchers in Indian country are discussed. (SV)