The cornerstones of the Indian perspective on their relationship to American government and society lie in the fact that the Indians are the aboriginal owners of the New World and that their formal association with the U.S. is based on formal treaties. Indian tribes consider themselves as separate and sovereign nations. In early American history, their status was so recognized. Through treaties, the embryonic U.S. offered fair treatment in recognition of Indian independence and equality of military potential. Later came the assaults on Indian autonomy. In 1831 the Supreme Court definition of Indians as "domestic, dependent nations" accelerated attacks by both Federal and state governments on Indian rights, many of which were cloaked in the guise of assisting Indian people to make a better adjustment to interaction with non-Indians. In ensuing years tribal governments were destroyed, lands lost, and cultures threatened. However, in 1924 Indians were granted citizenship and gained the right to vote. The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 began steps toward self-determination. As Indians from all tribes joined together to form political groups, the growth of Pan-Indianism spread. "Red Power" emerged in the late 1960's as Indian people responded politically with organization of issue-oriented action groups, political mobilization, and militance. Today they are working together to define a political system where they can be free to pursue their dream of tribal self-determination. (DS)