Prepared originally (1958) as a report to a commission on the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of the American Indian, this document has been enlarged and updated to cover national Indian policy from the early 1900's to present (1964). For the period to 1929, information gathered from annual reports, the Meriam report, Assistant Commissioner Meritt's recommendations, Secretary Wilbur's outline, and the Rhoads' memoranda is provided in relationship to health, education, welfare, community life, land, resource management, employment, duration of Federal supervision, and Bureau-Congressional relations. Also discussed are th Rhoads-Scattergood Administration (1929-33), The "New Deal" for the Indians (1933-45) in terms of acceptance and Congressional rejection, Commissioner Brophy's administration (1945-47), the termination controversy (1953-61), the 1961 Task Force Report, and Alaskan Native affairs. (LS)