Field study and analysis of program documents were undertaken in the first phase of a multi-phased research effort to improve and strengthen the relationships between CETA programs and economic development activities on Indian reservations. Exploratory in nature, the study examined the approaches developed by 24 Indian reservations and Native Alaskan communities in using CETA funds to improve reservation community and economic development efforts. The first set of findings reflected broad issues affecting Indian reservations throughout the country; these included population increases on reservations, the move away from tourism and industrial development and toward projects compatible with traditional Indian life styles, and political and economic conditions that distinguish Indian rural development from rural development as a whole. The second set of findings focused on the extent to which the program structures, approaches, and development priorities appeared to differ according to the population of the reservations. The study findings called for the presentation to the Department of Labor a number of recommendations addressing questions of policy, administration, program operation, and further research and development needs. (JH)