Describes the Grand Entry ceremony that marks the beginning of a pow-wow. Traces the evolution of the ceremony, highlighting elements derived from the Wild West. Argues that although the ceremony was not an original part of pow-wows, it reflects longstanding cultural values, such as respect for elders and honor to veterans. (AJL)

Describes the peacemaker system employed by Navajo communities. Suggests that, unlike the European-derived legal system, it utilizes a healing ceremony in which instigators are surrounded by family and friends. Discusses the role of the "naat'aanii" ("one who speaks wisely and well"), who uses persuasive powers to restore harmony and peace. (AJL)

Describes the efforts of the InterTribal Bison Cooperative (ITBC), a nonprofit group founded to help tribes return buffalo to Indian reservations. Describes the cultural and economic motives behind the movement. Indicates that the ITBC has grown to 40 member tribes and utilizes a consensus-building approach to rebuilding buffalo herds. (MAB)

Examines the growing number of Christian churches working to overcome prior oppressive relationships and support rather than destroy Native American notions of spirituality. Indicates that some churches accept and encourage Native spiritual practices regardless of their relation to Christian doctrines, while others integrate traditional beliefs…

Provides an interview with David Risling, Jr., a Native American educator who helped establish the American Indian Higher Education Consortium and now is acting president of D-Q University. Highlights Risling's reflections on the status of Indian spirituality and connections to indigenous groups in New Zealand and Latin America. (MAB)

Discusses the role of the emerging tribal libraries, designed to serve as repositories of Native American history and knowledge. Indicates that the tribal libraries and archives have provided a means for recentralizing documents important to Native American history that had previously been moved to distant repositories by outside elements. (MAB)

Focuses on four of the methods used by aboriginal peoples to transmit knowledge and to teach younger people. Describes the Anishinaabe ways of: learning by doing, story telling, dreaming, and ceremonies. The conclusion discusses the benefits and limitations of using such "ways of knowing" in academic endeavors. (Contains 26 references.) (VWC)

Discusses issues related to cultural survival and the 1990 passage of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). Suggests that cultural protection can make Native Americans appear secretive about their cultures. Projects that the number of tribal museums will increase due to NAGPRA. (AJL)

Examines different approaches to environmental activism taken by Native Americans and Westerners as a result of their differing views of nature. Describes historical Western-Indian conflicts related to the preservation of bison in Yellowstone Park. Suggests that there is a growing acknowledgment in the scientific community of traditional…

Offers pointers to assist Native Americans in researching their family history based upon the author's experience as the Reference Librarian at Montana's Salish Kootenai College. Discusses the use of government records and publications, local tribal history collections, obituaries of tribal members, and local chapters of family history or…

Describes a study examining the political and administrative maturity of two American Indian tribes, one in a high state of development and one in a low state of development. Indicates that there was stability, separation of powers, and minimal conflict in the high development tribe, as well as more independence from federal authority. (MAB)

Discusses the treatment of Native Americans in the news media, highlighting both the biases in news reporting and efforts made to reform such practices. Indicates that although news coverage has slowly improved, the news media still has a general lack of understanding of Native American cultures. (MAB)

Considers explanations for the successes of Native American students at a predominantly white university. Describes the Native American Secondary Teacher Education Program, reviewing methods used by participating students to accommodate Native American cultural needs in the Caucasian higher education institution. Includes recommendations for…

Discusses a cultural exchange program at Northwest Indian College, run by Washington state's Lummi Tribe, designed to provide indigenous communities in Latin America with tools and information to protect their cultures from extinction. Highlights projects with Mexico's Lancondone Tribe and the Pehuenche, in Chile. Discusses future projects. (AJL)

Presents a review of stories about and historical portrayals of Pocahontas, the Native American who saved John Smith in Colonial America. Indicates that prescripted roles for women and Native Americans have been variously applied to her. Argues that for all the interpretations, there is a dearth of works by Native Americans on the subject. (10…