LOS ANGELES - California Indian tribes that have raked in millions of dollars from their casinos are funneling some of that money to various universities for the study of American Indian issues.

Tribal representatives said that their donations are an extension of generous philanthropy that totals an estimated $70 million annually. The tribes have been one of the largest political contributors over the past five years, spending more than $120 million on local and statewide campaigns.

Some critics believe that academic integrity is at risk when special interests influence higher education. But some experts said the tribes are following the example set by other companies that have funded school projects.

"It's almost like the tribes are coming of age," said Sheldon Krimsky, a Tufts University professor who studies conflicts of interest that arise when private money funds scientific research. "Drug companies and chemical companies have long given professorships or funded graduate education to help shape the agenda of higher education."

Tribal representatives said university programs addressing the American Indian culture have long gone underfunded and now money is available to make them stronger.

The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, who operate a casino in San Bernardino County, gave $4 million to the UCLA Law School. The money will be used to establish a new center that will develop courses on California native issues and provide tribal internships for students.

Carole Goldberg, a UCLA law professor who heads the advisory board of the law school's Native Nations Law and Policy Center, said the tribe's gift would not affect the way existing courses are taught.

"It's not as if those topics are taught now and the tribes want them taught differently," she said. "It's more like they are not taught at all."

The San Manuel and the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians will fund a UCLA Law School conference next week on media coverage of tribal issues. San Manuel also gave $3 million to Cal State San Bernardino, which named its student union for a historic leader of the tribe.

"We're trying to build relationships," said San Manuel Chairman Deron Marquez. "It's another way for Indian people to get the population educated about our issues."