Describes problems related to old underground storage tanks (USTs) that may leak toxic contents, focusing on relevance for American Indian reservations. Discusses design, installation, and upgrading of UST systems; federal definitions and regulations; leak detection; legal responsibility; and education for public awareness. Includes Environmental…

Telephone penetration for rural Native Americans is only 40%. Using telecommunication technology plans, reservation communities can increase telephone penetration through tribal ownership of telecommunications companies, or by working with service providers to increase service or provide community telecommunication centers. Discusses a 1995…

This first of a series of essays on Indian leadership focuses on the role of American Indian leaders in community development, including their contributions of technological skills, humanism, and the energy and persistence needed to work toward a vision. Essential to rebuilding Indian communities is understanding how internalized oppression has…

Through unusual treaty provisions, the Nez Perce retained fishing and land use rights on 13 million "ceded" nonreservation acres. Nez Perce tribal government has developed a departmental organization that applies technical knowledge to the management of water resources, wildlife, fisheries, forestry, cultural resources, business…

Four telecommunications experts comment on changes in the industry and how these changes may result in career opportunities for American Indians. American Indian reservations have limited access to telecommunications and information technology and would benefit from the advocacy of Native professionals. (CDS)

Some American Indians view the opening of American Indian reservations to tourists as contributing to the desecration of sacred Indian lands, whereas others see it as a way for Indians to control their own economy and provide non-Indians a better appreciation of Indian cultures. (LP)

American Indians and other Native peoples are using maps to chart their resources, fight for their land, and remember their history. Describes the efforts of the Zuni Pueblo in the Southwest; the Gitxsan Nation (Canada); the Kuna, Embera, and Wounaan tribes (Panama); and the Mayas (Belize). A sidebar lists Geographic Information Systems (GIS)…

Describes development of a hybrid modern-traditional Navajo hogan that meets religious and cultural needs and the needs of modern Southwestern living, and uses passive and active solar technologies. Discusses housing problems on the Navajo Reservation, and plans for a Native American Housing Center at University of Colorado, Boulder. (SV)

The Menominee Gaming and Hospitality Institute (College of the Menominee Nation, WI) assists Indian people in mastering skills needed to operate their own gaming enterprises and to manage hotels or resorts. In addition to certificate and degree coursework, the institute is developing a computerized industry database and a product development…

After two years of teaching chemistry and math for the Peace Corps in a small village school in Ghana, Mike Athens now works as the ranking administrator overseeing Peace Corps operations in Tanzania. Athens, who is Native American, believes his experiences in Africa will help him to expand his skills and better serve his community when he returns…

Describes Trees for Mother Earth, a program in which secondary students raise funds to buy fruit trees to plant during visits to the Navajo Reservation. Benefits include developing feelings of self-worth among participants, promoting cultural exchange and understanding, and encouraging self-sufficiency among the Navajo. (LP)

Essay on Indian leadership stresses the importance of rebuilding community through ceremonies, a return to traditional values, teaching children about their Indian heritage as well as preparing them to be competitive in the world market, being caretakers of the community, and "thinking community" in terms of restoring and revitalizing…

The Ahkwesahsne Science and Math Pilot Project was developed in 1990 for seventh- and eighth-grade students in the Ahkwesahsne Mohawk community in Canada and New York. The project integrates traditional Western science with a curriculum based on principles of Iroquoian culture outlined in the Great Law of Peace, Iroquoian Creation Story, and…

At age 17, Jaime Pinkham left the Nez Perce Reservation vowing never to return to the poverty and oppression he had experienced there. However, 12 years later, with a college degree in forestry and leadership skills, Pinkham returned home to become the natural resources manager for the Nez Perce Tribe. Includes Pinkham's thoughts on Indian…

After years of hardship and despite owning only 12 percent of its own reservation, the Nez Perce tribe is successfully pursuing community development. Factors include energetic tribal government, good intratribal communications, integrated planning for economic development and forest resource management, and emphasis on cultural preservation and…