American Indian Culture and Research Journal

PREFACE Compilations of information such as bibliographies and legislative histories on major pieces of legislation in American history are plentiful. Some legislation such as the Tax Reform Act of 1986 have legislative histories that fill many shelves of law libraries. However, with the possible exception of the Indian Claims Commission Act, this is not so in the area of federal government/American Indian relations, hereinafter referred to as ”federal Indian law.” My efforts to locate any compiled information on the Indian General Allotment or Dawes Act in the offices of Indian interest groups and government repositories in Washington, D.C., at regional offices of the National Archives, and at law schools revealed that none existed. However, such compilations are at the heart of court decisions, legislation, and government and business practices throughout the modern world; without possession of them, groups are liable to be greatly hindered in their ability to meet new social, economic, and political challenges. Because American society is increasingly technology driven, the old adage ”knowledge is power” takes on increasing significance. Those without the information contained in such compilations are without the power to operate as equals among those who have knowledge and know how to use it. Relegated to secondary status, those without power receive only what the knowledgeable choose to provide or disclose.