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…

First tracing the historical background of Canadian-Indian policy, article then presents an in-depth analysis of the Indian Act, the mainstay of that policy. Apparently little has changed over the years: the Indian Act continues to thwart Indian sovereignty and self-determination. (Author/DS)

The essay discusses Indian rights in the light of national and international law and describes the struggle for Indian rights as part of an international struggle for human rights and social justice. (SB)

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…

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…

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)

Explores the Johnson administration's most provocative innovation, the Community Action Program (CAP), and how its philosophy of "maximum feasible participation" furthered tribal self-determination. Examines the long-term impacts of CAPs and other Office of Economic Opportunity initiatives related to Head Start, Rough Rock Demonstration…

This booklet answers briefly the most common questions about American Indians asked by students, teachers, researchers, librarians, government agencies, and the news media. Sections outline the history, responsibilities, educational programs, and housing programs of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA); President Bush's American Indian policy;…

This report summarizes an open discussion between members of the Indian Nations At Risk Task Force and the National Advisory Council on Indian Education (NACIE) and conference attenders following 2 days of testimony about issues in Native American education. An administrator outlined the loss of educational opportunity for Native Americans during…

Indian control of Indian education, whether defined as control by the individual parent, parental school board or committee, or tribal council, has had legislative support since the passage of the Indian Self-Determination Act in 1978. While the authority for overseeing the federal trust responsibility for Indian people remains with the Bureau of…

Under Oklahoma's new "in need of treatment" (INT) procedure, juvenile commitments have increased 10 times since 1983. About 8% of commitments are American Indian children. Generally, the mental health dilemma of Indian communities is characterized by multiple and interacting problems, acute symptoms masked by related problems such as…