Published in cooperation with the American Civil Liberties Union, the guide sets forth the rights of American Indians under the present law and offers suggestions on how these rights can be protected. Using a question and answer format, the book covers the changes in Indian policies from the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 to the present day, explaining the complex pattern of tribal, state, and federal laws which govern American Indians. Seventeen chapters discuss the history of federal Indian policy; definitions of "Indian,""Indian tribe,""Indian country," and Indian title;" trust responsibility; Indian treaties; federal power over Indian affairs; tribal self-government; state power over Indian affairs; criminal jurisdiction in Indian country; civil jurisdiction in Indian country; taxation; hunting, fishing, and gathering rights; Indian water rights; civil rights of Indians; the Indian Civil Rights Act; special status of certain Indian groups; government services to Indians; and judicial review. Five appendices excerpt passages from the Indian Civil Rights Act, Public Law 83-280, the General Crimes Act, the Major Crimes Act, and Title 18, U.S. Code, (the section defining "Indian Country.") An effort has been made to note those parts of the law where changes may occur. (NEC)