This work investigates the demographic, social, and historical identity of the indigenous populations of the United States. Dwight L. Johnson utilizes census data and historical records to construct a framework for understanding the evolution of Native American identity. The text examines how government classification systems and cultural shifts have influenced the self-identification and societal standing of these groups over time.

Researchers and historians view this text as a useful resource for understanding the intersection of government policy and demographic reporting. Readers frequently note the clinical, data-driven nature of the prose, which prioritizes statistical accuracy over narrative storytelling.