The Indian: America’s Unfinished Business

This report of the Commission on the Rights, Liberties, and Responsibilities of the American Indian brings the dilemma of the modern Indian sharply into focus. A number of prominent anthropologists, historians, government officials, and other competent researchers discuss the problems of the Indians and what should be done to help these first Americans enjoy the rights, exercise the liberties, and assume the responsibilities of citizenship. Their findings point up the fact that the Indian is, indeed, America?s unfinished business.

Significant facts are related concerning Indian values and background, assimilation, and population, the meaning of a reservation, and the role of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Landmarks in Indian law are also considered, including the Indian Reorganization Act and House Concurrent Resolution 108.