Indian poverty is a result of the enforced social stagnation. Economic development in Indian country is intertwined with an Indian movement toward tribal sovereignty and political power. Economic success is not impeded by traditionalism in tribal culture and government, but it does require fair play by tribes and their leaders, an independent…

Part one of a two-part article discusses the continuing problems of Indian tribes in negotiating equitable mining leases yielding reasonable economic returns without excessive social and environmental disruption. The article reviews several successful tribal actions and suggests courses of action for Indian planners and leaders. (Author/SB)

A review of the literature was conducted to understand whether or not and how enterprise zones and other economic development strategies apply to Indian country. The review: (1) summarizes the effects of past and present federal policies on Indians and their economic development efforts; (2) examines the literature on enterprise zones, as…

Summarizes the history since 1936 of the Northern Utes, a tribe rich in energy resources. Describes political and economic development and demonstrated the tribe's dependence on federal funding. Discusses tribal sovereignty with regard to enrollment issues, rights of mixed-bloods, and disputes with local Whites. (SV)

Legal gaming operations are permitting various Indian nations to build strong economies and well-managed tribal governments that fund education and social services as first priorities. Experiences of the Wisconsin Oneida and Mashantucket Pequot (Connecticut) demonstrate that when access to resources and markets is not prevented, Indians have a…

This report summarizes legislative activities in states that enacted bills and resolutions relating to Native Americans in 1991. Conflicts between states and the Indian tribes within their borders were the subject of significant legislation in 1991. In all, 220 bills and resolutions were introduced in state legislatures; 77 passed and 20 are still…

Comparative analysis of economic development on 15 American Indian reservations plus supplementary data on 100 reservations suggest that successful development depends on tribal sovereignty coupled with aggressive assertions of Indian control, effective social institution-building, and appropriate development choices tested against tribal cultural…

The political status of First Nations peoples as sovereign nations under federal control creates unique opportunities for developing social and educational programs with revenues from Indigenous gaming ventures. In response to unmet human and social needs, strength-based approaches that empower Native people are especially critical in overcoming…

The statement by President Ronald Reagan on Indian policy, issued on January 24, 1983, indicates that the administration believes that responsibilities and resources should be restored to the governments which are closest to the people served, including federally recognized American Indian tribes. The attachment summarizes policy via 10 Reagan…

This document discusses tribal governance as part of the "Native American Week" on Montana State University's Bozeman campus. The document contains a commissioned paper, a panel discussion, a speech, and a list of legal documents of tribal governments in Montana. The commissioned paper, "Federal Indian Policy: A Summary," by…

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…

Compares the impact of the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 on the Hopis, Western Shoshones, and Southern Utes with regard to land reform, economic development, and tribal management. Describes salient tribal characteristics prior to 1934, and federal government tactics to force acceptance of the Act. Contains 83 references. (SV)

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) replaced Aid to Families with Dependent Children with Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), which establishes work-focused, time-limited welfare benefits. TANF permits tribes to receive funds directly from the federal government to administer their own…

Kevin Gover, Assistant Secretary of the Interior for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, reviews his first-year accomplishments and his relationship with Congress and the tribes, and discusses executive orders on tribal consultation and Indian education; agency budget priorities for law enforcement, education, and management of Indian trust assets;…

This paper examines changes in federal policy that have encouraged economic development by American Indian tribes, and presents examples from New Mexico. The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 guaranteed federal provision of education and other services to the tribes, but the newly reorganized tribal governments were regulated almost exclusively by…