In this paper, the author talks about some of the issues of the beginnings of Native and Indigenous studies and suggests that one looks more precisely at what people mean when they talk about those beginnings. The author is not a big fan of Native people emerging vaguely from the mists of time, but he is always tracing a history of Native studies…

Debra Magpie Earling, author of the 2002 novel "Perma Red," does not appear as a named character in her text, which has been designated as a work of fiction. Eighteen years in the making, "Perma Red" is an intricate, intimate expression of self-life narration that is Earling's act of publicly honoring the Aunt Louise she never…

The needs of American Indian education are many and complex. Basic education needs to be expanded into areas such as gifted and talented, computer education, handicapped education, more diverse vocational programs, adult education, and directed research/dissemination. Efforts should be made to accredit Indian Studies programs, establish a…

Presents an overview of aging among Native Americans from past and present perspectives, noting implications for health educators developing health education programs. Native Americans make it clear that individual performance is not dependent upon chronological age. Instead, the individual's ability to function and contribute serves as the…

This literature-based review examines characteristics of American Indians, difficulties and techniques in accurately identifying gifted American Indian students, and programming options. Emphasized is the need to formulate and implement a concrete plan of action for appropriately serving gifted American Indians while preserving their cultural and…

In light of the articles in this issue, this article discusses the role that language planning plays in the building of communities and nations, focusing on American Indian language and bilingual education. Also examined is the impact of the Native American Languages Act on the maintenance of indigenous language and cultural resources. (four…

On the Northern Cheyenne Reservation--where the alcoholism rate for Cheyenne persons 14 years and older is approximately 80%--there are numerous resources available to the recovering alcoholic, but children in alcoholic families are sometimes forgotten. There is a need for preventive programs to insure that today's children do not become the next…

Three Native Americans discuss Native American history and the quest for tribal sovereignty, their educational experiences, their views on the conference and the development of a First Nations graduate program, the importance of preserving and transmitting Native American culture and language, and the importance of Native Americans with advanced…

The Chulupi Indians of Paraguay use a humorous tale containing an incest sequence to transmit information and approved social attitudes toward incest to members of their culture. Accounts of incestuous rape need to be included in United States prevention programs to deter this destructive form of child sexual abuse. (JDD)

Discusses the 13 papers in this special issue on American Indian and Alaska Native language education and literacy, the object of which is to critically examine the relationship of pedagogical change to larger sociopolitical and cultural processes affecting native language, bilingual, and bicultural programs. (three references) (MDM)

Specialized education for Native Americans (Indians) has taken alternate forms. The challenge to help make this educational program effective is analyzed, and an interdisciplinary approach is suggested. (JMK)

Beatrice Medicine, Professor Emerita from California State University, suggests that a higher education program for Native Americans should integrate the knowledge and wisdom of elders as well as address the different cultural values and spirituality of Native American students. The challenge is to prepare Native students to live and work in the…

Native American educators discuss important factors to consider when developing a First Nations graduate education program: formal education as one of many ways of pursuing knowledge, the dangers of defining the "indigenous way" in scholarship, and the central role of the Native community and elders in program development. (LP)

Focusing on the physical well-being and personal environment of the Indian elderly, the conference attracted 3,000 persons from 209 Indian tribes. Its program was organized into: (1) description of existing resources serving elderly Indians; (2) determination of the additional or remedial action required; and (3) identification of methodology for…

This report examines various vocational rehabilitation models that serve American Indians and Alaska Natives with disabilities, with examples and case studies to demonstrate how the models work in real client-counselor situations. Stressed throughout is the importance of issues of cultural diversity, cultural competency, and self-determination.…