May I Help?The Applied Anthropologist and Indian Self-Determination

The growing empowerment of American Indian people to effect positive adjustments in their personal and community lives will shape and control Indian-related research in the future. American Indian consulting firms, organizations, urban centers, and individual tribes are increasingly defining the scope and nature of research on those issues that most directly affect their lives and communities. This paper discusses collaboration and support for the self-determination goals of Indian people as central to my decision to work with and for Indian people.