This paper describes several differences between Anglo American children and their Hispanic and American Indian counterparts. The growth of the U.S. ethnic population is described, along with some implications for policymakers and educators in Montana and other affected states. According to census figures, the population of American Indians increased by more than one million people between 1950 and 1980. There is a greater proportion of young people within the American Indian population than within the U.S. population as a whole. Similarly, the average age of Hispanics is relatively low and is expected to remain so for some time. As an educational goal, assimilation of these minorities into White American culture has failed. Assimilation has, therefore, been replaced with a focus on cultural diversity and multiculturalism. Montana has 12 American Indian tribes whose members represent about 6% of the state population. A significant Hispanic population also lives in Montana. While bilingual programs make a great deal of sense in this situation, few such programs exist in this state. Similarities between Hispanic and American Indian communities in terms of cultural traits, extended family structure, and English language-learning are described. Educators are called upon to develop greater awareness of and sensitivity to cultural and linguistic differences. This paper contains 23 references. (TES)