The Native American Rights Fund (NARF) is beginning a project to assist tribes and Indian communities with the legal aspects of economic and business development. Historic monopolistic and oppressive trade restrictions imposed on the tribes created an economic context that has suppressed Indian economic development for over two centuries. Faced with increasing federal reluctance to discharge its trust responsibility, the tribes recognize economic success as an essential component of true self-sufficiency. Against this backdrop, NARF has launched its Indian Economic Development Law Project. To focus its efforts and avoid duplication of services, the project has identified five areas of greatest need: (1) development of tribal governance infrastructure, (2) development of supportive future legislative and policy directions, (3) assistance in the networking of existing resources, (4) provision of a communications link between tribes and business interests, and (5) development of a large pool of legal expertise in the area of Indian economic development. NARF will be directly involved with specific tribal and Indian community efforts; clients will be selected for viability and significance. A major project role will be as facilitator of cooperation among various agencies and community organizations that cover the wide range of skills needed to accomplish economic development goals. This newsletter also contains updates on Indian court cases of interest and NARF organizational news. (SV)