This documentary is a beautifully illustrated introductory history of how federal Indian law has developed in the United States and the impacts federal policies have had on American Indian people. It covers basic principles of federal Indian law from the arrival of Columbus through the self-determination era of today, ending with a look to the future of tribes and American Indian and Alaska Native people.

Viewers totally new to the field of Indian law, as well as the most experienced in the field, will build on their knowledge of the history of federal law and policy regarding tribes. Audiences will recognize the traumatic affects of shifting federal law and policy on health and welfare of tribes and their members, and will acquire informational tools for promoting respect, cooperation and relationship building between tribal and non-tribal entities.