This essential reference work enables a deeper understanding of contemporary challenges in the lives of American Indians and Alaskan Natives today, carefully reviewing their unique problems and proposing potential solutions. * Provides a current and comprehensive analysis of contemporary problems facing American Indians * Documents the challenges of American Indians, identifies how they are qualitatively different from those of other minority groups in the United States, and presents potential solutions * Evaluates the effectiveness of both proposed and implemented solutions to problems in American Indian culture * Written by experts on American Indian affairs, including many who have lived, worked, and taught in Indian country, and are American Indians themselves