Current mental health services for Indian people living on and off the reservation are described for individuals interested in expanding or delivering mental health services to Indian people or in the state of the art. The conference held in July 1979 was established for the purpose of sharing information about successful mental health programs.…

Traces increases in Indian-controlled economic development, community health, and cultural programs on reservations, highlighting the role of tribal colleges. Discusses Indian education's prior goals of complete submersion in White culture and separation of students from their heritage/language. Considers ways this legacy persists. Highlights…

The Paraprofessional Program of the Institute for Human Development has proven to be an effective means of providing early intervention services in northern Arizona's sparsely populated, culturally diverse rural communities. The program model includes identification and comprehensive professional evaluation of young handicapped children and hiring…

Examines setting-culture interaction as a force contributing to the real or imagined ineffectiveness of vocational programs for American Indians on or near reservations. Uses a program serving the Mississippi Band of Choctaws as a case study to discuss potential effects of setting-culture interaction on program design and evaluation. (SB)

Case studies are used to illustrate issues in the identification of gifted and talented American Indian children and the development of appropriate programs that respond to individual needs and cultural values. Emphasis is placed on the identification of students who do not manifest their high intellectual and creative abilities in ways accepted…

American Indians are three times more likely than Whites to have type 2 diabetes. Research shows that lifestyle treatments improving diet and increasing exercise are more effective than medications at preventing and treating the disease. A program featuring talking circles and emotional and spiritual counseling by Native elders promotes a…

Several things need to be considered when designing a bilingual curriculum for and with the Navajo community. The major consideration should be the involvement of Navajo parents and the leadership of Navajo school boards. The curriculum should be developed from the Navajo point of view about their world. Designers of a bilingual education…

The philosophy, practice, and goals of a bilingual-bicultural elementary school program in Mexico are presented. The program, sponsored by Extraescolar, the Office of Extrascholastic Education in the Indigenous Environment, provides instruction to Indian children both in an indigenous language and Spanish. (AMH)

Reports show that mental health services for Indian children are inadequate, despite the fact that Indian children are known to have more serious mental health problems than all other ethnic groups in the United States. This monograph examines five American Indian childrens mental health projects funded by the Center for Mental Health Services…

Describes how the Blackfeet Head Start Program uses professionals to train local residents as screeners and home trainers for preschool handicapped children. Notes that numbers of handicapped children and their families who receive services have increased as a result of using local home trainers and teachers as direct care providers. (JHZ)

Many Indians are leaving their communities to seek employment in the cities, but because of lack of education and social prejudice are forced to live under poor conditions. The Indian Education Center in Vancouver has an adult basic education program that includes counseling. The center tries to help all Indians referred to it; so far it has…

This technical report examines the literature on substance abuse prevention programs among American Indian and Alaska Native populations, particularly high-risk youth, and reports on aspects of demonstration projects. The literature was reviewed for specific mention of attempted intervention activities focusing on alcohol and drug abuse prevention…

Discusses the collaborative efforts of the Hawaiian Kamehameha Early Education Program (KEEP) and the Navajo Rough Rock Community School in Arizona to develop educational practices and strategies that would help minority-language children succeed in school. Examines the modification of KEEP strategies for use with Navajo children. (16 references)…

The Seabird Island Community School is a successful band-controlled school that has involved Indian people in the educational process, developed a strong sense of Indian identity in students, and promoted both cultural and academic goals. Numerous and varied links between community and school are a key to the school's success. (JHZ)