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Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 1997. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 280-309).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1947. / Typescript. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves xx-xxvii).

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Montana, 2007. / Title from title screen. Description based on contents viewed Sept. 25, 2007. Includes bibliographical references (p. 46).

This qualitative study comparing three separate English-language versions of a single Dakota cultural myth "Iktomi" presents a novel systematic approach for analyzing Native American folk tales to understand how stories function as tools of transmission of cultural information and knowledge. The method involved coding character traits according to type with regard to representation, ability, or attribute to ascertain patterns among the codes and elucidate character roles and relationships, reorganizing the coded traits into paired polarized correspondences to clarify relationships among traits, and assessing pronoun use and documenter effect pointing to gender-specific character activity. Findings revealed an encoded framework illuminating how the tale is used to represent progressive stages in the Dakota vision quest. Analysis using simple word counts of character traits produced emergent patterns disclosing a male-specific focus on character activities with additional evidence delineating a framework for the vision quest traditionally regarded tribally as a male rite of passage.

Studies have shown that ecotourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the tourism market. To date, there has been very little systematic research focused on the general topic of ecotourism development on Indian reservations. This study researches possible ecotourism alternatives on the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation (SRSIR) in North Dakota. Choice experiments were employed to analyze the preferences of reservation residents and those of cultural tourists. Reservation tourism personnel and local investors will benefit from the information this study provides. Data for this research were collected through a series of field surveying campaigns. Surveying was conducted on the SRSIR as well as off reservation sites in the surrounding area. All respondents were adults and included a random sample of reservation residents and tourists who demonstrated an interest in cultural and/or nature-based tourism experiences. Results of this study demonstrate an overwhelmingly positive attitude by all populations toward ecotourism development. Local residents and powwow tourists proved to be insensitive to price, contradicting economic theory. Non-powwow tourists proved to be sensitive to price.