American Indian Culture and Research Journal

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are computer systems that link large sets of data with spatial representation in maps. Much of the data utilized in governmental decision making has a spatial component, and the ability to map data and organize information spatially can be extremely valuable in governmental decision making. The application of GIS within tribal governments is an important process that can help empower tribes, particularly with regard to natural resources management and land and water rights litigation. Recognizing this potential, the Bureau of Indian Affairs in 1983 established a Geographic Information System (GIS) officially titled the Indian Integrated Resource Information Program (IIRIP). This project grew to offer a training program in 1986 and provided a demonstration project for ten tribes across the nation to create American Indian applications of Geographic Information Systems. A national office, here called the National Center, was established in Golden, Colorado, to staff and support the development of a GIS database using ARC/INFO for each of the ten tribes and to promote the effective development and application of GIS management within each of the tribal governments. ARC/INFO is a specific software package capable of sophisticated mapping and analysis of spatial information and is recognized as "state of the art" GIS technology.