This article lays out U.S. Indian policy in the Great Plains during the twenty-five years after the Civil War by examining chronologically specific "players" that shaped and reshaped that policy: the U.S. Army, the President and Interior Department, Congress, religious organizations, whites in the Indian reform movement, settlers surging…

Of all the states in the U.S., Maine is the only one that has American Indian tribal rePresentation in its legislature. The earliest records of Maine Indian representation are 1823 (Penobscot) and 1842 (Passamaquoddy), but Massachusetts' records indicate that Indian representation had probably been going on since or before the Revolution. Due to…

From its inception, the United States has been faced with the problem of how to treat with the American Indian nations and tribes. This problem is many-faceted: who should deal with Indian affairs; how should the Indian be treated--as citizens or as independent nations; how should the redman be parted from his lands, which were coveted by the…

Larry Echo Hawk, Idaho attorney general and former state legislator, discusses success factors in college and law school; early experiences as an Indian lawyer; first election campaign; and his views on tribal sovereignty, state-tribal relationship, gambling, and his dual responsibility to the general public and Native American issues. (SV)

In this article, the authors explore this new level of tribal political sophistication and how the tribes sought to pressure state legislators by pursuing a public relation campaign centered on issues of economic interest and sovereignty. Though they have been unsuccessful in recent legislative sessions, there is evidence of a growing…

On June 23, 1972, Congress passed Public Law 92-318 ("The Indian Education Act") which delegates authority to the U.S. Office of Education (USOE) to make a significant contribution in the area of Indian education. This article explains why OE was not previously involved in Indian education, and gives a general introduction to OE and the…

The article discusses the funding of the 1972 Indian Education Act, and the obstacles that almost prevented its passage. The important steps are chronologically reviewed, also including the testimony of Indian leaders and a summary of appropriation requests. (KM)

In an interview, Senator Mark Hatfield discusses Indian concerns in the 96th Congress. He addresses the role and future of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, Congressional attitudes towards American Indians, the Indian Health Service, the "Boldt" Supreme Court decision, the Warm Springs Tribe, and the Institute for American Indian…

Over 100 of the nation's 400 Indian tribes are overlooked in the administration of Indian trust responsibility. Senate Bill 2375 establishes administrative procedure to be followed by the Department of the Interior in acknowledging a federal relationship with certain Indian tribes. On April 18, 1978 testimony was conducted before the Senate Select…

The transcript is taken from the testimony of administration and private witnesses on S.1786, the "National Indian Goals and Progress Act". The purpose of this act is to: (1) require an annual review of the effectiveness of all major Federal programs and services for American Indian people to determine whether fundamental human needs and…

A committee, representing both the House and Senate, presents statements and recommendations to amend the text of the bill S.659. The major subjects under discussion are: Title I. Higher Education; Title II. Vocational Education; Title III. Amendments Relating to the Administration of Education Programs; Title IV. Indian Education; Title V.…

This article includes a report from the Select Committee to the NCAI Convention, summarizing their activities to date, the Senate floor debate on whether to continue the committee, and the statements of Kirke Kickingbird and Charles Trimble at a hearing before the Rules Committee in support of S. Res. 405 to continue the committee. (RTS)

Compiled from the Maine Revised Statutes of 1964 (including amendments through 1973), the Constitution of Maine, and the current Resolves and Private and Special Laws, this compilation of laws pertaining to American Indians includes statutes relative to the following: (1) Constitution of Maine (bond issues; guaranteed loans for Indian housing;…