This book presents eight essays by Vine Deloria, Jr., a Standing Rock Sioux and professor of political science at the University of Colorado. Essays examine issues facing Native American students as they progress through the educational system, and aim to help Indian students place Western knowledge into the context of tribal and community traditions. Essay titles are "American Indian Metaphysics: A Prelude to Understanding Indian Education,""Power and Place Equal Personality,""Knowing and Understanding,""Traditional Technology,""Transitional Education,""Property and Self-Government as Educational Initiatives,""Higher Education and Self-Determination," and "The Perpetual Education Report." Essay themes pertain to Native versus Western worldview; history of Indian education; Indian versus professional identity; community as key to survival; destructive aspects of American education; necessity of cultural context for education and knowledge; and reconciliation of science and cultural values. (LP)