Describes powwow practices, participants, music, and dance, as well as conflicts over gender issues, secular versus spiritual interests, and relations between Indians and non-Indians. Argues that the powwow is best understood in dual paradoxical terms: it plays a unifying role in Indian life, affirming tribal and supratribal identity and…

As a part of a final report of the National Study of American Indian Education, this survey was conducted among 8 elementary schools in Bloomington, Minnesota. The study was concerned primarily with conceptions held by white elementary school children about the American Indians. Secondly, it was hoped that the survey would provide broader insights…

Special education directors, special education teachers, and Indian education directors from 25 northern Minnesota rural school districts were surveyed concerning special education practices involving Native American students. Although most respondents were satisfied with the referral and placement process, Indian education directors expressed…

Investigated 6000 predominantly American-Indian adolescents' self-reported family connectedness, educational commitment, and risk-taking behavior. Surveys indicated that low family connectedness related to decreased educational commitment and increased risk of absenteeism, substance use, and purchase of substances on campus. American Indian…

Describes two Head Start projects designed to make the transition from preschool to kindergarten less stressful for Head Start children and their families. Programs are the Mille Lacs Reservation Head Start program in Minnesota and the East Coast Migrant Head Start project in Fort Pierce, Florida. Project evaluations are summarized. (BB)

This paper discusses the complex issues faced by clinicians providing counseling to chemically dependent individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing and who are from ethnic, racial, or cultural minority groups. It shares specific examples from the Minnesota Chemical Dependency Program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals, as well as…

The Minnesota Program for Victims of Sexual Assault conducted a 9-month training program for racial minority human service professionals from September 1983 through May 1984. The objectives of the project were to improve the identification, intervention, and treatment of sexual assault victims and their families. The project targeted Blacks,…

This study discusses the racial and ethnic composition of Minnesota's children and child care providers, focusing on the need for more multi-ethnic, culturally-appropriate programming for the increasing number of children of color in the state. A 1992 survey of 1,003 day care centers and 35 Head Start programs found disparities between numbers of…

This document is the report of one phase of a Minnesota study to examine the problem of misrepresentation and overrepresentation of African American, American Indian, and Latino students in special education. This phase of the study involved eight professional focus groups who examined four broad areas: factors contributing to minority…

This document is the report of one phase of a Minnesota study to examine the problem of disproportionate representation in special education of African American, American Indian, Latino, and Asian American students. Phase 3 of the study focused on factors which have led to the underrepresentation, rather than overrepresentation of Asian American…

This document is the report of one phase of a Minnesota study to examine the problem of misrepresentation and overrepresentation of African American, American Indian, and Latino students in special education. Phase 2 of the study involved seven focus groups comprised of minority parents throughout rural and urban areas of Minnesota. Focus groups…