THE MEXICAN AMERICAN POPULATION IN NORTHERN NEW MEXICO ORIGINALLY HAD LAND GRANTS FROM THE SPANISH CROWN. LACK OF UNDERSTANDING OR ACCEPTANCE OF THE AMERICAN SYSTEM OF INDIVIDUAL OWNERSHIP HAS CAUSED THE MEXICAN AMERICAN TO LOSE MUCH OF THE ORIGINAL GRANT LANDS. THE MEXICAN AMERICAN SOCIAL ORGANIZATION, ORIGINALLY STRUCTURED UPON THE FARM VILLAGE, PATRIARCHAL FAMILY, PATRON SYSTEM, AND THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, HAS BEEN QUITE RESISTANT TO ACCULTURATION. THE LACK OF ACCULTURATION AMONG THE PEOPLE, RIGIDITY OF PROGRAMING, AND SPECIALIZED APPROACH TO PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN THE MAIN REASONS FOR THE FAILURE OF GOVERNMENTAL PROGRAMS. INADEQUATE SCHOOLING COMPOUNDS THE SITUATION. RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDE PLACING NORTHERN NEW MEXICO UNDER A REGIONAL AUTHORITY, USING THE VILLAGE FOR PLANNING AND RESEARCH, DEVELOPING LOCAL LEADERSHIP, DESIGNING GROUP PROGRAMS, RESTORING LAND TO THE VILLAGE, ADOPTING A PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR SUBSISTENCE FARMS UNDER FIFTEEN ACRES, PROMOTING HANDICRAFTS, BUILDING SMALL VILLAGE DAMS, CHANGING THE SCHOOL SYSTEM IN NORTHERN NEW MEXICO, BUILDING A NETWORK OF ROADS, DEVELOPING COOPERATIVE SALES SERVICE, DOING AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH, PREPARING AGENCY WORKERS FROM THE RESIDENT POPULATION, AND ESTABLISHING NORTHERN NEW MEXICO AS A TESTING GROUND FOR FEDERAL PROGRAMS. (JS)