The relationship between Native Americans and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is ambivalent. Most BIA commissioners, like Dillon Myer, have been assimilationists who have tried to get the government "out of Indian business." Recent policies stressing self-determination are in jeopardy as pressure mounts for decreased federal domestic…

Highlights and explains the major components of the Federal Indian Policy and the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Policy for the Administration of Environmental Programs on Indian Reservations. Reviews EPA projects which aim to implement aspects of the Federal Indian Policy. Cites examples of efforts encouraging positive federal, state,…

The purpose of this guide is to increase the understanding of the rationale and benefits of States and Tribes working together to provide quality child care choices and services for the children and families they serve. The guide provides a description of Tribal sovereignty and the government-to-government relationship; an overview of the…

The second of a two-part series explains the coherent mineral policies that are needed if tribes are to achieve fiscal goals and maintain control of their resources. The article describes how the policies can be implemented via written codes, mineral development corporations, and mining agreements. (SB)

Discusses issues related to cultural survival and the 1990 passage of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). Suggests that cultural protection can make Native Americans appear secretive about their cultures. Projects that the number of tribal museums will increase due to NAGPRA. (AJL)

American Indian leaders must meld the holistic and cyclical world view of Indian peoples with the linear, rational world view of mainstream society. Tribal leaders need to be statesmen and ethical politicians. Economic and educational development must be based on disciplined long-range planning and a strong, Indian-controlled educational base.…

As commissioner of Indian affairs, John Collier promoted economic development on reservations, supported self-determination, and brought Indian peoples into mainstream federal aid programs (the Indian New Deal). A review of his and his critics' writings focuses on his views about Indian culture, community, socialization, and democracy, and the…

Some American Indians view the opening of American Indian reservations to tourists as contributing to the desecration of sacred Indian lands, whereas others see it as a way for Indians to control their own economy and provide non-Indians a better appreciation of Indian cultures. (LP)

Presents a lesson on American Indian tribal sovereignty. Discusses the concept of sovereignty as it developed in the United States. Describes three Supreme Court decisions that established (1) Indian tribes were sovereign before European contact and (2) some sovereign powers were restricted after the United States was established. Includes a chart…

Argues that the federal policy of granting U.S. citizenship to Lakota people is, in effect, a policy to extinguish the principle of Lakota political consent by "politically incorporating" the Lakota into the U.S. body politic. Examines how such incorporation is inconsistent with today's global political realities where self-determination…

Comparative analysis of economic development on 15 American Indian reservations plus supplementary data on 100 reservations suggest that successful development depends on tribal sovereignty coupled with aggressive assertions of Indian control, effective social institution-building, and appropriate development choices tested against tribal cultural…

Achievement of true tribal self-determination is seriously compromised by declining federal expenditures on Indian programs. Current proposals do not assure adequate funding for tribes to carry out basic government functions and do not address the question of tribal sovereignty. Contains 25 references and 7 data tables of expenditures. (SV)

After the Aneth Extension (Utah) was added to the Navajo Reservation in 1933, Congress provided that part of natural resource royalties go to the state to finance education and other services for Navajo residents. These funds were squandered. A Utah Supreme Court case over dual taxation by state and tribe of non-Indian resource lessees is…

Discusses a variety of American Indian leadership issues. Argues that traditional top-down management directly conflicts with traditional Indian values--the Indian views the leader as a servant of the people, and all people are expected to act as leaders when their specialized knowledge or abilities are needed at a particular time. (Contains 16…

The political status of First Nations peoples as sovereign nations under federal control creates unique opportunities for developing social and educational programs with revenues from Indigenous gaming ventures. In response to unmet human and social needs, strength-based approaches that empower Native people are especially critical in overcoming…