The State of the Native Nations: Conditions under U.S. Policies of Self-Determination

Media filters and personal preconceptions can make it hard to get a clear view of present-day Indian America. The reality is that the 500+ Native nations in the United States confront many of the same day-to-day challenges that are faced by other nations and communities--raising children with strong identities, practicing religion, providing economic sustenance, strengthening culture, managing business and governmental affairs, and protecting public health and safety--but they are doing so from foundations built on their distinct histories, cultures, and circumstances. The State of the Native Nations: Conditions under U.S. Policies of Self-Determination chronicles the efforts, obstacles, and accomplishments that are shaping Indian Country under contemporary federal policies and responsive tribal strategies of self-determination. In The State of the Native Nations, the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development brings together scholars and Native leaders to produce the most comprehensive, cohesive interdisciplinary study available on current conditions and trends in Indian Country. Broad in scope and thematically organized, the volume features twenty-three chapters covering issues ranging from tribal governance, land and natural resources, and economic and social development, to arts and culture, the large off-reservation Native population, and federal Indian policy. Fourteen accompanying essays bring to life the personal perspectives of noted national leaders in Native affairs. The result is invaluable insight into the universal challenges of creating resilient, sustained, and self-determined communities.FEATURES:* Balances first-person accounts and field findings with extensive and up-to-date data and facts* Emphasizes the critical issues of Native self-determination and nation-building* Puts contemporary issues in their historical and policy contexts* Integrates case studies that highlight successful examples of the practice of Native nation self-determination

Table of Contents:
The Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development: Contributors: The Sounding Board: Preface and Acknowledgments: A Note on Methodology and Terminology Introduction The Long Road to Self-Determination Contemporary Realities PART ONE: TRIBES AS NATIONS 1. Tribal Government The Evolution of Governmental Forms Federal Policy and Self-Governance The Importance of Capable Institutions of Governance Elders Cultural Advisory Council, San Carlos Apache Tribal Governments and Nation Building Civil Society and Community Organizations Tribe-to-Tribe Relations We Are a Sovereign Government, Hon. W. Ron Allen 2. Tribal Jurisdiction Underlying Principles of Tribal Jurisdiction Adjudicatory Authority Regulatory Authority Choctaw Tribal Court System, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Challenges to Tribal Jurisdiction Taxing Authority Nation Building and Tribal Courts The Life Way and the Law Way, Hon. Robert Yazzie 3. Tribal-Federal Relations The Federal Government's Trust Responsibility Federal Paternalism The Evolution of Federal-Tribal Relations Zuni Eagle Sanctuary, Zuni Fish and Wildlife Department, Pueblo of Zuni Underfunding by Federal Agencies Federal Recognition Tribes and Federal Politics The Future of Federal-Tribal Relations Promoting Self-Determination, Benjamin Nuvamsa 4. Tribal-State Relations Tribal versus State Authority Increased Interaction between States and Tribes New Models of Cooperation The Benefits of Cooperation Honoring Our Ancestors: The Chippewa Flowage Joint Agency Management Plan, Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians Educate. Educate. Educate. Hon. Marge Anderson 5. International Relations Historical International Relations The United Nations and Indigenous Peoples Other International Institutions The Road Ahead Iroquois Nationals Lacrosse PART TWO: ASSETS AND ECONOMY 6. Native Lands A History of Dispossession Indian Lands Today Land Challenges Reacquiring and Reinstating Indian Lands Land Use Planning Swinomish Cooperative Land Use Program The Future of Indian Lands 7. Economic Development Past Efforts and Policies A Tribal Economic Development Snapshot The Underpinnings of Contemporary Tribal Economic Development Ho-Chunk, Inc., Winnebego Tribe of Nebraska Strategies for Economic Development Ongoing Challenges in Economic Development Land and Jurisdiction The Future of Economic Development in Native America Sovereignty Is an Asset,, Sherry Salway Black 8. Gaming The Development of Contemporary Indian Gaming A Policy Primer on American Indian Gaming The Growth of Indian Gaming Socioeconomic Investment and Change Quil Ceda Village, The Tulalip Tribes Gaming Controversies The Future of Indian Gaming 9. Natural Resources Historical Context Natural Resources in Indian Country Tribal Management of Natural Resources Energy Forestry Agriculture Oneida Nation Farms and Agriculture Center, Oneida Nation of Wisconsin Water The Outlook for Natural Resources on Indian Lands Meeting the Natural Resource Challenges in Indian Country, Arthur "Butch" Blazer 10. Environment Historical Context The Environmental State of Indian Country Challenges of Tribal Environmental Protection Tribal-Federal Cooperation in Addressing Current Problems Water Quality Standards, Environmental Department, Pueblo of Sandia Tribal Environmental Capacity The Future of Tribal Environmental Management Preservation of Life: Guiding Principles of Indian Tribal Governments, Susan M. Williams and Sarah Works PART THREE: SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 11. Education From Degradation to Empowerment The State of Educational Attainment Primary and Secondary Education Tribally Operated Schools No Child Left Behind Post-Secondary Education The Two-Plus-Two-Plus-Two Program, Hopi Junior/Senior High School, Hopi Nation The Tribal Colleges and Universities The Future of Indian Education Educating a Closed Population Pool, James Shanley 12. Health History Health Status Critical Underfunding of the Indian Health-Care System Self-Determination and Health Care Toward Progress in Indian Health Whirling Thunder Wellness Program, Winnebago Tribal Health Department, Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska Health Care: A Trust Responsibility, A Sovereign Right, Yvette Roubideaux 13. Family Support History of the Destruction of Native Families The Growth of Modern Welfare Programs Family Poverty in Indian Country Today Impact of Federal Welfare Reform Implementing TANF in Indian Country At-Risk Children Building a Future for Families Fond du Lac Foster Care Licensing and Placement Agency, Fond du Lac Lake Superior Band of Chippewa 14. Housing Early Indian Housing Policy The State of Indian Housing Challenges in Federal Indian Housing Policy Self-Determination in Housing Challenges Ahead Chuka Chukmasi Home Loan Program, Division of Housing, Chickasaw Nation 15. Public Safety History Status Public Safety Issues in Indian Country Policy Responses Toward Improved Public Safety in Indian Country Kake Circle Peacemaking, Organized Village of Kake: PART FOUR: CULTURE, ARTS, AND MEDIA 16. Culture Diverse American Indian Cultures Policies and Processes of Cultural Suppression The Status of Indian Languages Native Cosmologies and Religions Ojibwe Language Program, Department of Education, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Cultural Artifacts, Repatriation, and Museums Indigenous Knowledge Culture's Role in Shaping the Future of Native America A Valued Past and a Vibrant Present, Hartman Lomawaima 17. Arts The Arts in Native America Cherokee National Youth Choir, Cherokee Nation The Marketing of Indian Arts and Crafts Defining and Redefining Contemporary Indian Arts American Indian Art: A Way of Life, Kevin Red Star 18. Media The Development of Media Perspectives Media in Native America The Question of the Ownership of Indian Media New Approaches to Media Issues The Growing Role of the Internet Looking to the Future PART FIVE: ALASKA NATIVES, NATIVE HAWAIIANS, AND URBAN INDIANS 19. Alaska Natives History Alaska Natives and the Settlement of Land Claims Alaska Native Socioeconomic Status Challenges for Alaska Natives Yukaana Development Corporation, Louden Tribal Council Prospects for the Future Sovereignty in Alaska, Willie Kasayulie 20. Native Hawaiians Historical Context Who Are Native Hawaiians? Current Conditions Native Hawaiian Policy and Governance 21. Urban Indians History The Socioeconomic Status of Urban Native Americans Policy Considerations Urban Indian Community Centers Self-Determination for Urban Indians Future Prospects Menominee Community Center of Chicago, Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin A Different Kind of Immigrant, Sydney Beane Conclusion Defending Tribal Sovereignty, Jacqueline Johnson Index:

Review :
"This uniquely collaborative book comprehensively tells the compelling story of indigenous nations in a way unlike any other. Bursting with empirical data not readily available, and brimming with practical and scholarly insights, it is a must-read for anyone interested in the current situation of America's senior nations-its First Nations."--David Wilkins, University of Minnesota "The State of the Native Nations fills a void that currently exists for easily accessible, self-contained reflective research related to building Native nations. It will certainly be a sought after course reader within Native programs throughout the US and Canada."--Gregory Cajete, University of New Mexico "This uniquely collaborative book comprehensively tells the compelling story of indigenous nations in a way unlike any other. Bursting with empirical data not readily available, and brimming with practical and scholarly insights, it is a must-read for anyone interested in the current situation of America's senior nations--its First Nations."--David Wilkins, University of Minnesota "The State of the Native Nations fills a void that currently exists for easily accessible, self-contained reflective research related to building Native nations. It will certainly be a sought after course reader within Native programs throughout the US and Canada."--Gregory Cajete, University of New Mexico