The United States has almost 2 million American Indians, who are a young and growing population. They must deal not only with contemporary problems and concerns but also with past and current atrocities of violence and oppression. The laws and the legal system have also devalued the lives of American Indian women. American Indian men and women are disproportionately represented in State prisons. Much research indicates that more than 70 percent of the crimes committed by American Indians are alcohol-related. However, negative stereotypes exaggerate both the rate of alcoholism and the association between alcohol and crime among American Indians. Nevertheless, young American Indian women and Alaskan native women are more at risk of alcohol- related deaths than the general female population. Factors contributing to measures and analyses of crime and alcohol- related deaths include racist stereotyping, labeling, paternalism, and language and cultural differences. The issues of unresolved historical grief and post-traumatic stress disorder are also important. Despite exploitation and traumatization, American Indian women and nations are developing strong governments and nations. Most American Indian nations are matrilineal, and American Indian nations and their women have contributed significantly to society. Accurate information is needed and can be gained through readings and direct interaction with American Indians. 49 references