Document Type
Dissertation
Date of Award
2023
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (Ded)
Department
Education
First Advisor
Karen Card
Abstract
Helping Native American college students find their purpose and develop their holistic identity will help them be successful in college and in their professional careers. In this study the structural framework of the interview questions are based on Chickering and Reisser’s (1993) student identity development theory which includes seven vectors. Along with Chickering’s student development theory, the Woope Sakowin, seven laws were incorporated into this study. The seven laws align with Chickering’s seven vectors to develop a holistic identity. An interesting component of Chickering’s seven vectors is they do not occur in a step-by-step manner, but rather are seen as platforms that strengthen each other, and “college students develop skills within multiple vectors simultaneously” (Chickering & Reisser, 1993). This asset-based phenomenological study had 10 themes emerge each having a sub-theme. The ten themes are: 1.) Native culture, values, and virtues play a vital role in development. 2.) Developing competency skills are necessary to build self-confidence. 3.) Properly managing emotions is a must to successfully graduate. 4.) Developing autonomy skills and gaining independence. 5.) Mentoring and mature interpersonal relationships. 6.) Multiple identities, holistic identity. 7.) Challenges, barriers, and obstacles in college will not stop us. 8.) Helpful strategies and techniques. 9.) Cultural competency and identity development are a part of college. 10.) Native American students on their experience at college institutions. Applying Chickering’s identity development theory and the seven laws helped understand how key moments in participants’ lives where they grew and developed the skills necessary to graduate successfully. Important skills such as problem-solving, managing emotions, critical thinking, and many more. Understanding how each of the seven vectors and seven laws applied to their life was beneficial.
Subject Categories
Educational Administration and Supervision
Keywords
Helping Native American college students
Number of Pages
151
Publisher
University of South Dakota
Recommended Citation
Two Bulls, Kaylynn Marie, "Empowering the Nagi (Spirit): A Phenomenological Asset-Based Study of the Success Stories and Lived Experiences of Native American College Graduates" (2023). Dissertations and Theses. 314.
https://red.library.usd.edu/diss-thesis/314
