The time required to complete projects depends on their nature and scope. Projects usually require from 6 to 12 months. More focused inquiries require less time, but all projects are subject to negotiation regarding scheduling, and funding requirements and deliverables. Walker Research Group, Ltd. is especially committed to providing training to Tribes in all areas of the following research and to conducting research cooperatively with Tribal staff and members. Walker Research Group, Ltd. research services fall into two major types: 1) cultural, environmental, and legal, and 2) demographic.
WRG provides consultation in support of enforcement of Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), American Indian Religious Freedom Act (AIRFA), and other legislation concerning protection of Native American human rights and cultural and natural resources.
WRG prepares Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Statements in compliance with NEPA guidelines and regulations to determine the impacts of various projects on Tribes. This research is conducted from a Tribal perspective and in a culturally sensitive manner taking into account Tribal conceptions of the environment and the interactions between natural and cultural resources.
WRG provides research support for legal defense of Tribal sovereignty, treaties, agreements, resources, and civil liberties to Tribes including courtroom services such as expert witnesses and experts in negotiated settlements.
WRG employs culturally appropriate and sensitive ethnographic methods in the following types of assessments:
- General Ethnographic Description
- Socioeconomic Description and Evaluation
- Ethnobotanical and Ethnozoological Assessment
- Ethnohistory
- Ethnoarchaeology
- Traditional Cultural Properties
- Sacred Sites
- Cultural Resource Management
WRG conducts Social Impact Assessments and other research dealing with impacts resulting from projects on and around Indian reservations including hydroelectric power, mining, military, construction, urbanization, etc.
This WRG research is used 1) to document of correct funding allocations of State and Federal agencies that rely upon gross population figures to allocate funds to Tribes, 2) to apply for grants that target specific segments of the Tribal population, and 3) to facilitate and increase the accuracy of Tribal economic development planning.
WRG conducts population research on Native American peoples based on historical records such as BIA reports, U.S. Census, enrollment records, commercial records, and others. This research is used to establish historical trends in population growth, migration patterns, and land use that are relevant to contemporary cultures.
This WRG research can be used 1) to reform enrollment ordinances, 2) to aid in population projections, and 3) to determine membership eligibility. This research requires analysis of Tribal rolls and is highly confidential.
Population growth projections are performed by WRG for various time periods and subgroups of Tribal populations. Population projections facilitate and increase the accuracy of social and economic development planning.
Migration analyses can be used to challenge funding procedures of State and Federal agencies that rely upon gross population figures 1) to allocate funds to Tribes, 2) to apply for grants that target specific segments of the Indian population, and 3) to facilitate and increase the accuracy of social and economic development planning.
This research by WRG helps determine the extent of Tribal populations and characterizes the specific needs of subgroups of Reservation populations served by various Federal and State agencies, including the IHS, BIA, HUD, DOJ, the Office of Education, and others.
This research by WRG is used 1) to help document the funding allocations requested from Federal agencies, 2) to apply for housing grants that target specific segments of the Indian population, 3) to facilitate and increase the accuracy of housing planning, and 4) to develop comprehensive housing plans as required by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
This WRG research helps determine the specific health needs of Tribal populations and subgroups including the following:
- Elderly health and medical characteristics
- Infant and child health and medical characteristics
- Veterans' health and medical characteristics
- Survey of both traditional and modern health care systems
- Lifestyle assessment
- Nutrition surveys
- Diabetes, arthritis, and other chronic ailments
- Family planning
This evaluation research focuses on the extent to which programs and projects achieve their stated goals. All types of Tribal projects and programs are considered by WRG such as youth development, food distribution, community outreach, adult education, and criminal justice.
WRG assesses the educational needs, curriculum, teacher preparation, school administration, and school financing for cultural and social minority students and their communities.
WRG conducts research into conditions of prisons and processes of incarceration and rehabilitation of minorities, especially American Indians and Chicanos.