The Experiences of Native American Students Living on a Reservation and Attending a Predominantly White High School

Abstract

Abstract:This study explores the perceptions of five Native American students regarding their experiences of living on a reservation while attending a predominantly White high school in the upper Midwest. Utilizing a phenomenological approach, each student was interviewed three times across the spring semester of 2009; interviews were recorded, transcribed and subsequently analyzed by the first author and two university researchers with expertise in qualitative studies. Findings indicated that these students had faced challenges relating to identity development, racism, and difficult circumstances both at home and at school. Nonetheless, they had also received support from family, friends, caring teachers, engaging learning environments, and connections to their culture. Overall, it was clear that each of these young people had developed an undeniable resiliency as their high school education drew to a close.