The current directions of elementary school programs for American Indian children are varied, dynamic, demanding and, often, experimental. This booklet presents the trends and expectations of programs offered both in federal and provincial schools attended by Indian and Inuit children in Canada. A brief look at the educational experiences of previous generations of native people provides the context for understanding the significance of developments taking place today. Developments have taken place in relation to buildings, supplies, curricula, language development, parental involvement, provincial programs, and Indian control of education. For some, the changes are too rapid; for others, the implementation of new approaches is not fast enough. But for all--native children and their parents, chiefs, Band councils, community members, teachers, administrators, counselors, researchers and the Canadian public in general--the positive unfolding and success of the programs is of vital interest and concern. (Author/NQ)