The nonpartisan public opinion research and citizen engagement organization Public Agenda today released a new qualitative study exploring how American Indians* and non-Indians think about each other titled Walking a Mile: A First Step Toward Mutual Understanding. The research explores Indians perceptions of their place in contemporary American society and how non-Indians view American Indians, what they know (or think they know), the generalizations they make and stereotypes they hold, how their perceptions were formed and their interest in learning more.

The research is available online at: http://www.publicagenda.org/reports/walking-mile-first-step-toward-mutual-understanding

Given the limited documented opinion research on the topic, this study may be one of the most in-depth examinations of the thinking of these two groups about each other yet undertaken. The findings are based on the views of people in 12 focus groups conducted in 2006 and 2007 throughout the United States: seven with Indians and five with non-Indians.

This study sheds important light on the challenges created by misperceptions of contemporary Native America. It certainly accords with what we see and hear on the ground, said Joseph P. Kalt, Co-Director of the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development at the John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Public Agenda's report is a critical step in furthering Indian White relations, said Ruth Yellowhawk of the Indigenous Issues Forums. Until we examine those places where we are struggling, and key knowledge gaps that exist we cannot understand ways to move forward with dignity and grace. Let's hope that this small step of revealing ways people are thinking allows for the kind of self-reflection that can engender positive action for such disparate nations.

The research details the thinking of both groups regarding Indian history, the present and how better understanding can develop in the future. The research shows how little most Americans know about the diversity of contemporary Indian experience and points to the need for depictions of Indians outside of casinos and impoverished reservations.

While the Indians interviewed for the research described their sadness about the past and widespread prejudice and discrimination against Indians today, they also talked about their hopes and feelings of success their pride in the great strides Indians have made economically and theirs sense that their lives are improving.

The research also points to a number of revelations that call for additional research. For instance, why non-Indians acknowledge that Indians have been badly mistreated in the past, on the one hand, and yet at the same time resent what they see as preferential treatment by the government, on the other. The report also notes generally more favorable attitudes toward Indians among Americans living far from concentrations of Indian populations and a somewhat higher prevalence of more negative views among those living closer to Indian reservations.

The study includes detailed analysis of the research, extensive quotes from participants and a matrix that succinctly summarizes Indians and non-Indians attitudes on basic issues, views of daily Indian life, Indian culture and identity and how to move forward. The research was made possible by a grant from The Christian A. Johnson Endeavor Foundation.

*While some Indians interviewed for this project prefer to use the term Native American, the Bureau of Indian Affairs reports that the tribes it represents generally prefer the term American Indian. Consequently, the latter is used exclusively in the report.

Public Agenda is a nonprofit organization dedicated to nonpartisan public policy research. Founded in 1975 by former U.S. Secretary of State Cyrus Vance and Daniel Yankelovich, the social scientist and author, Public Agenda is well respected for its influential public opinion surveys and balanced citizen education materials. Its mission is to inject the public's voice into crucial policy debates. Public Agenda seeks to inform leaders about the public's views and to engage citizens in discussing complex policy issues.