The July 8, 1970 President's Message to the United States Congress on the American Indians is presented in this paper. The speech covered self-determination without termination, the repeal of the termination law, Indian directed programs, the restoration of Blue Lake to Taos Pueblo, local school control, economic development legislation, Indian health, urban Indians, Indian Trust Counsel Authority, continuing programs, and the establishment of a new position in the Department of Interior--Assistant Secretary for Indian and Territorial Affairs. Also, on March 1, 1973, the President recommended: (1) Congress enact the necessary legislation to facilitate tribal takeover of responsibility for Bureau of Indian Affairs programs; (2) that more decision-making power be placed in the hands of State and local governments; (3) the 1953 termination resolution be repealed; (4) new legislation to foster local Indian self-determination by developing an Interior Department program of bloc grants to federally recognized tribes as a replacement for a number of existing economic and resource development programs; (5) an Indian Trust Counsel Authority; and (6) the creation of a new Assistant Secretary position. Books giving background in Indian affairs are listed. (NQ)