In this paper, the author describes historic Coast Salish ritual practices and the concepts regarding wrongdoing and redemption that underlie them. He draws out the implications, particularly the associated dangers, derived from these existing rituals for ritual work conducted by outsiders engaging Coast Salish peoples. Finally, he considers the…

Discusses high rate of violence and health problems within Cherokee culture. Alcohol plays a major role in Indian health and social problems. As a response to prevalence of alcohol-related problems, a cultural therapy program was developed. Reinforcement of cultural pride was a primary step in solving problems. (CC)

Reviews literature regarding American Indian/Alaskan Native learning styles and related teaching styles, focusing on the recent theory that culture plays an important part in determining the students' learning styles, which may not be congruent with the school learning style. (Author/CB)

Summarizes findings of many studies of personality characteristics and adult-child interaction patterns among the Ojibwa. Points out that most studies were undertaken by non-Indians, and many studies had serious methodological flaws and/or lacked coherent theory. Calls for research to contribute to theory and improve Ojibwa quality of life. (JHZ)

Present-day language policy for the Navajo reflects a lengthy history of attempts to suppress indigenous language varieties. Recent rationalization is rooted in the doctrine of compensatory education, but the suppression is even more total. Alternative policies and practices, rooted in a nonprescriptive view of language variety and progressive…

Based on interviews conducted on the Mohawk Reservation at Akwesasne in 1980, this article focuses on some of the spiritual values which have deep roots in Mohawk culture. (CM)

Describes some linguistic and cultural characteristics of American Indians not fully assimilated into the majority culture. Discusses the extended family, discipline and attitudes toward children, importance of the group, communication, and temporal orientation. Notes implications for the classroom. Contains 46 references. (SV)

Discusses cultural differences between Indian and white people in their perceptions of money and the meanings of certain English words such as greed and jealousy. Identifies possible sticking points in Indian-white communication and political/economic relationships. Relates intratribal disputes and factionalism to impose financial situations and…

Western United States (characterized by low population density with small, scattered urban centers) underwent tremendous economic and population growth in the 1970's. The impact on small towns and rural areas included ecological damage and fewer permanent jobs than had been anticipated available to local persons. In spite of area growth, most…