ABSTRACT
The availability and control of substantial tracts of land is a necessary prerequisite for economic development in any society. Many of the problems faced by Indians today are rooted in past government actions, such as trade restrictions, forced removal to reservations and the subsequent allotment of reservation land, assimilation policies, termination laws and self-determination policies. An effective degree of sovereignty and tribal government is another problem faced by many Indian groups. Those groups without capable tribal leadership usually experience severe economic problems. Other problems present among the Indians are those of cultural identity. Most population movements in which two or more cultures make contact result in cultural modification as old ideas and traits are discarded and others are introduced. President Ronald Reagan has established an Indian policy in which self-determination is central. Goals have been set that enable the Indian tribes to become more effective governing agencies.
