The task of setting up and administering educational programs for the American Indian has been fraught with seemingly insurmountable problems and inbuilt frustrations for both the Indian population and the Federal Government. Many programs are now under way to increase Indian control of Indian affairs, including their own educational institutions. The Institute of American Indian Arts makes special curriculum provisions geared to the special needs of Indian youth in an attempt to turn the potential disadvantage of the cultural transition to advantage and to stimulate extensions of American Indian expressions in the arts. The underlying philosophy of the program is that unique cultural tradition can be honored and can be used creatively as the springboard to a meaningful contemporary life. The institute plans its programs around the special needs of the individual and attempts continuously to expand its understanding of student problems as they emanate from Indian cultural origins. The school offers an accredited high school program with emphasis on the arts, and a college level program as preparation for college and technical schools and employment in arts-related vocations. The age range of the student body is from 15 to 27. This method of dealing with Indian minority problems seems to hold promise of being an effective education approach for dealing with the needs of other minority groups. (BD)