Equity in Education: The Accessibility of Higher Education for Native American Students

The purpose of this research is to explore to what extent higher education systems across the U.S. are receptive to and compatible with Indigenous systems of knowledge, and therefore to what extent these higher education systems are more accessible to Native American students. Indigenous people in the U.S. have a unique political, social, and cultural identity, being citizens of both their tribal nation and of the U.S.. Native American sovereignty grants them the right to oversee the education of their peoples, yet there is a dark history marred by federal government take-over, colonization, assimilation and neglect. This historical trauma continues to impact Native American students access to and success in higher education systems today. Ultimately, higher education systems across the U.S. continue to be structured according to Eurocentric values and agendas, which impede the success of Native American students and fundamentally undermine federally assured notions of equal access and equitable education. However, there is hope through institutional reform, collaboration with Native communities, and support in cultural vitalization efforts that equal access to education can be achieved.Political Science, Department ofHonors Colleg