Aimed at highlighting American Indian reservation conditions, outlining the scope of Federal aid to Indians, and suggesting the nature of future Indian problems and choices, this book attempts to assess the current socioeconomic status of the Indian community and its relationship with the Federal Government. Specifically, this book provides both narrative and statistical information re: (1) Indian Population (migration and Federal policy and Indian legal status); (2) Economic Conditions and Economic Development (income and employment; agricultural, forest, and mineral resource development; and industrial development); (3) Education (attainment; educational performance; the Indian school system; community control; aid to higher education; adult and vocational education; manpower training); (4) Health and Family Status (illnesses and mortality rates; family and marital status; birth rates and age distribution; Indian Health Service; the impact of the Indian Health Service); (5) Social Services (public assistance; housing; law enforcement; trust responsibilities and services; community development and tribal self-determination); (6) "The Indian Question" (underlying facts and policy considerations). Also presented are tabular data covering the years 1955-74 reported in 18 tables and 9 charts. (JC)