American Indian/Alaska Native Women: The Path to the Doctorate

Abstract

Abstract:This article studies the experiences of 13 American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) women who earned doctorates at mainstream universities. What barriers did they encounter on their path to earning a doctorate? Is this the norm? How did the women respond? What motivates them to thrive and graduate? The research is framed in the Indigenous values of relationships, responsibility, respect, and reciprocity (4Rs) and utilizes critical Indigenous research methodologies (CIRM). Data were collected through personal interviews focusing on four areas; background, experiences, culture/traditions, and advice. Analysis of the findings consists of examining the answers utilizing coding to establish common factors or themes. The study reveals that AI/AN women are encountering barriers in their doctoral studies, which include personal situations, cultural aspects, finances, academics, climate issues, racism, sexism, and gender bias. In the face of these challenges, Native women are relying upon a number of strategies to succeed; family, support networks, cultural identity, American Indian personnel, commitment to community, and maintaining a balance between personal and academic life.