Describes the history of taxation of Nebraska land held by federal government for Omaha and Winnebago Indians. Explains taxation of land "trust allotments" to individual Indians. Describes federal legislation of 1910 and 1916 that further authorized Nebraska taxation of land, causing many Indians to sell allotments. Contains 42…

Reviews the recent growth of Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) schools and enrollments, the increased tribal control over BIA education, the success of BIA school reform efforts and of tribal colleges, and major facilities problems due to inadequate funding. Suggests that enthusiasm for school improvement is endangered by a political environment that…

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 report, written for the Americans for Indian Opportunity "Ambassador Program," addresses the need to research the detrimental effects of the guardianship program on Native Americans. The guardianship program was established by the United States government during the early 1900s to protect monies that Indians received from mineral…

This curriculum unit introduces students to the relationship between the federal government and American Indians through five narrative descriptions of the related legislation, laws, and court interpretations. The narratives cover: (1) the historical basis of federal Indian law and the government-to-government relationship; (2) legal definitions…

Kickapoo Nation School, a tribally controlled K-grade 12 school, owned and administered by the Kickapoo Tribe in Kansas since 1981, is examined as a case study of the implementation of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975 (P.L. 93-638). The tribal school, viewed as a reflection of the tribe's ongoing goal of self…

This report to Congress by the National Advisory Council on Indian Education (NACIE) includes an explanation of NACIE's history and current operation, ongoing programs, and recommendations for future work. NACIE, which reports to the Department of Education, is the sole Indian organization designated as an executive agency of the federal…

The history of the Carlisle Indian Boarding School is a microcosm of 500 years of Indian policy. Established through the efforts of career military man Richard Pratt in 1879, the school symbolized the emerging view of assimilation, an important change from earlier attempts at genocide and prior militant attitudes towards the Indians. Long…

Details combat and conflicts between Native Americans and settlers before, during, and following the Civil War. Shows how the involvement of tribes in the Civil War and Reconstruction diminished their martial power and made them certain marks for conquest and relegation to reservations. (JHZ)

During this four-volume study, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights evaluated 11 federal agencies to determine whether or not they have responded to recommendations offered in previous reports and if civil rights enforcement improved as a result. Throughout the volumes, the Commission has identified good and inadequate civil rights practices that…

Investigates the implications of recent court litigation with respect to the establishment of tribal identity for the Mississippi Choctaw. Describes the tribe's current confusing status and the complex legal, economic, and other social issues confronting its people. (SB)

Discusses the rise of Indian activism during the last decade, including the organization of the American Indian Movement and some of its direct action and confrontation campaigns. Also discusses significant hunting, fishing, water rights and land claims court cases and explores rising strength of tribal energy resources. (DS)

Examines selected Native American child welfare programs in Canada that emphasize community control. Explains genesis of community programs after traditional systems perceived as agents of colonization. Concludes Native control can empower communities and encourage responsive service but explains how problems--including funding, jurisdictional…

States that Helen Scheirbeck has been an educational advocate for American Indians in Washington D.C. and in various academic settings since the late 1960s. Reports that, in particular, she pushed for change in political and bureaucratic processes and attitudes to help American Indians exercise more sovereignty over their educational institutions.…

This Senate hearing produced testimony on how the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (ICWA) has been administered by government agencies and the courts. Three members of the Select Committee on Indian Affairs presented background information on the act's intent to confirm the tribe as the primary authority in matters involving an Indian child's…