Cultural pluralism is the rationale currently used for implementation of American Indian or Native Studies, but the practice of Indian Studies has always been an inherent part of Indian cultures. Problems currently facing Indian Studies include: belief by some that Indian Studies most properly belongs in the home; inadequate and/or erroneous Indian Studies materials; establishment of the legitimacy of the discipline and its instructors; authenticating Indian Studies programs; belief among some "educated" Indians that Indian Studies erodes the influence of the basics; effective use of Federal and other funds. Characteristics of successful college level Indian Studies programs include: a particular regional/tribal emphasis as well as a broader emphasis encompassing all Indians; a clearly articulated philosophy supported by well defined objectives; sequential and interrelated course series; course development via a broad representation of Indian elders, students, and leaders; materials development by Indians; and acquisition of quality Indian oriented Indian faculty. Elementary and secondary Indian Studies programs should include involvement and utilization of the local community; integration of Indian Studies in the existing courses and development of new Indian specific courses; and provision of a legal and appropriate place for Indian studies in the overall curriculum (JC)