Thesis
EXPERIENCES OF BELONGINGNESS FOR NATIVE AMERICAN STUDENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
05/2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000006956
Abstract
Native Americans (NAs) are highly underrepresented in higher education, making up less than 1% of the undergraduate student population in the US (Bryant, 2021). Retention of NA students is important for addressing inequities in the monetary, personal, societal, and health benefits associated with obtaining a degree (Trostel, 2015). Tribal Critical Race Theory, a theoretical framework that guides this study, posits that colonization is endemic to society, and that story is inseparable from theory (Brayboy, 2005). This theoretical framework puts the colonial framework of higher education into perspective and calls for the centering of NA voices and stories to work towards an equitable education for NA students (Brayboy, 2005). Qualitative methods of data collection and analysis were utilized to center the stories and lived experiences of 11 self-identifying NA students at a white-majority land grant university in the Pacific Northwest. Four focus groups across three campuses were conducted in the spring semester of 2023. These focus groups centered questions regarding community and inclusion, representation, racial and ethnic identity, and definitions of belongingness. Findings revealed three major themes that support belongingness including reciprocal relationships, connection on campus, and individual supports. In addition, barriers to belongingness were identified, revealing four themes including racist attitudes, racist cultural schema, and both pre-existing and perpetuated racism, based on the types of racism defined by Shiao and Woody (2021). Implications and future considerations are discussed.
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Details
- Title
- EXPERIENCES OF BELONGINGNESS FOR NATIVE AMERICAN STUDENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION
- Creators
- Sara R. Mills
- Contributors
- Sara F Waters (Chair)Katherine Hirchak (Committee Member)Lisa Colón (Committee Member)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Department of Human Development
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University
- Number of pages
- 103
- Identifiers
- 99901125240901842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis