The Indian, America's unfinished business America's unfinished business :report of the Commission on the Rights, Liberties, and Responsibilities of the American Indian

Summary: Because a 1953 Congressional resolution established the policy of terminating the special relationship between American Indians and the Federal government, a review of historical information on this relationship is in order so that recommendations can be made with respect to the termination of services, funds, and authority. Termination should occur only after adequate information is available and solutions have been found to existing problems of health, education, economy, and government. The Indian must be motivated to participate in solving his own problems, and he should have the right to determine his own form of government. Tribal judicial systems should be integrated with state systems. The Bureau of Indian Affairs should make experts in economic planning available to Indian tribes, as its function should be to counsel and assist, not to control or regiment. The power of the Secretary of the Interior should be reduced to allow tribes to operate to the full extent of their abilities. Tribes should assume greater responsibility for health and sanitation. School personnel should have special training in dealing with Indian children, and adult education programs must be expanded and strengthened.