Presents a brief history of the Cherokee Nation, from its first contact with De Soto in 1540 through Andrew Jackson's presidency. Concludes that the Cherokee removal clearly illustrates the shallowness of Jacksonian democratic principles. (JDH)

Analyzes the position of Indian tribal governments within the national political economy, their limited sovereignty and dependence on federal aid, and the consequences of Reagan's "new federalist" policies for tribal programs. Summarizes federal Indian policies from 1783 to the present. Contains 10 references. (SV)

Provides an annotated list of 53 films and videos about Canada's First Nations, produced between 1988 and 1991, and covering such themes as self-determination, cultural preservation, land claims, aboriginal rights, Native control of education, social problems, history, and environmental issues. Includes running time, price, and availability. (SV)

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…

With the backing of America's wealthy citizenry, Joseph Dixon organized the 1913 Expedition of Citizenship in an effort to advance the acculturation of American Indians. Dixon's efforts were a melodramatic charade in which the Indians gained nothing but patriotic rituals, still practiced at tribal meetings and powwows. Too late, Dixon realized the…

Viewing indigenous peoples of the United States as ethnic/racial minorities is a misconception because there is no given ethnicity which might be correctly said to encompass the more than 400 distinctly identifiable ethnicities comprising what is lumped in the catchall category of "Native Americans" and because notions of ethnic/racial minority…

Because Native American societies are held by United States courts to possess rights of self-government where these rights have not been explicitly withdrawn, the constitutions of 280 Native American governments in the United States (exclusive of 219 in Alaska) were examined as they existed in September 1981 to determine the extent and character…

Compares the impact of the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 on the Hopis, Western Shoshones, and Southern Utes with regard to land reform, economic development, and tribal management. Describes salient tribal characteristics prior to 1934, and federal government tactics to force acceptance of the Act. Contains 83 references. (SV)

This guide focuses on the heritage of Oregon Native people by discussing their ancient habitation, their historical lifeways and the disruption of those lifeways by Euro-American settlement and federal policies, and their continuing role in the state. The guide consists of 18 essays organized into 3 sections. The first section consists of five…

Examines the Cherokees' deliberate adoption of the laws of the white man, focusing on the blood feud--a retaliation system designed to deal with homicide. Discusses cultural bases of Cherokee law and factors influencing the change to a jury system and noted key events of the adoption period (1797 to 1840). (JHZ)

Argues for local control of education by Native Canadians. Position based on benefits of parent responsibility, rather than on criticism of Canadian Indian policy or treaties. Examines Indian education history, noting positive examples of Native communities taking educational responsibility. Concludes local control makes good educational policy.…

Describes the history of taxation of Nebraska land held by federal government for Omaha and Winnebago Indians. Explains taxation of land "trust allotments" to individual Indians. Describes federal legislation of 1910 and 1916 that further authorized Nebraska taxation of land, causing many Indians to sell allotments. Contains 42…

This book describes the struggle of American Indian tribes and their governments to achieve the goals of freedom and tribal sovereignty. Part 1 provides a case study of the Mississippi Choctaws and their efforts to reestablish their tribal government, and introduces the structure, function, and values of the traditional governments of the…

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…

Examines selected Native American child welfare programs in Canada that emphasize community control. Explains genesis of community programs after traditional systems perceived as agents of colonization. Concludes Native control can empower communities and encourage responsive service but explains how problems--including funding, jurisdictional…