Gentle Action Theory as a Method of Deliberative Democracy in Addressing the Lack of Voice for Indigenous Students in Institutions of Higher Education

This paper examines how Indigenous college students attending non-tribal colleges and universities in the United States experience feelings of alienation and marginalization. The concept of democracy and deliberation from the model of the larger oppressive society is not an Indigenous cultural norm. Civic engagement is experienced differently in Indigenous communities. This paper articulates the outcomes of a deliberative forum which examined the concept of democracy employing Gentle Action Theory as the method to provide students an opportunity to share their thoughts and experiences and to express their frustrations and needs regarding their academic endeavors. The comparison of Traditional Ways and cultural norms provided a basis for discussions of identity and their experiences as students.