This study is an analysis of a policy, The Indian Self-Determination Act (Public Law 93-638), and consists of a survey designed to examine the perceptions of selected Indian tribal leaders regarding the policy. The findings of the survey are reviewed and analyzed and the study is concluded with a consideration of the implications of the findings for social work. In general, the study is concerned with an aspect of the social policy process. A specific policy is addressed and a survey of perceptions of people effected by that policy was taken. The policy itself is an indication of a seemingly new attitude of the federal government toward Indian people. If this is so, this change is a significant departure from traditional attitudes and will affect the social service system as it relates to Indians as well as most other aspects of Indian life. Indian Self-Determination is a new term for Indian people.