Literacy, which has only positive connotations in most cultures, has long been associated in Native communities with colonial education, "the reculturing and reeducation of American Indians by the secular and religious institutions of colonizing nations." Early educators imposed literacy on Indian children attending government-organized boarding schools where teaching methods "typically included a military model of mass regimentation, authoritarian discipline, strict gender segregation, an emphasis on manual labor, avoidance of higher academic or professional training, rote memorization, and drill in desired physical and emotional habits." Literacy was part of a national policy to assimilate Native children and eliminate Native languages and ways of life. Some Native peoples, especially boarding school survivors, may still consider teaching English language literacy a controversial practice. This article discusses the importance of school library media specialists in tribal schools. Furthermore, the article discusses new approaches and techniques to increase American Indian literacy and reading. Possible areas for research are also discussed.