This guide provides a basic source of historical and contemporary Indian information from an American Indian perspective and includes study questions at the end of each section. The primary function of this guide is to be a quick-study reference handbook. Basic questions essential to understanding current problems and issues of American Indians are addressed including: (1) How many Indians are there in the country?; (2) How many tribes exist?; (3) How many reservations are there?; and (4) What are the size and location of the population, tribes and reservations? The first chapter presents an overview of American Indian history beginning with the arrival of Columbus, and discusses myths and misconceptions concerning American Indians, antagonism between White settlers and American Indians including genocide and slavery of American Indians, and violation of government treaties. The second chapter provides demographic data on American Indians, including information on tribes and reservations for the past 500 years illustrating the constant transition of the American Indian population. This chapter also includes a map of federally recognized American Indian Nations and information on the gross acreage, trust land, total population, Indian population, and enrolled tribal population of Indian Nations. The third chapter addresses health, education, and economic welfare issues facing American Indians and concludes that most government programs have not successfully aided American Indians. The last chapter describes an individual's plan of action stressing the importance of education, political unity, and economic independence among American Indians. Also included are further references, catalogs of Indian publications, information on how to conduct a genealogy search, and locations of Bureau of Indian Affairs area offices. Contains maps and graphs. (LP)