Portraiture of Four Reservation Community College Graduates

This qualitative study used portraiture to explore the experiences of four Native American, or sometimes referred to as American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN), college students who attended Reservation Community College (RCC), a Tribal College and University (TCU). Interviews, focus groups, and detailed notes captured the encounters that conceptualized the perspectives of four Native American students at this TCU. Participants included individuals who are members of Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and graduated from RCC with a bachelor's degree. The texts incorporated the direct voices and stories of the participants to allow for direct and authentic quotes and phrases used during the interviews. The purpose of this study was to examine the supports and resources that contributed to the retention and success of Indigenous students at RCC. This was done utilizing the following three research questions: Q1 What are the experiences of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) college students who have completed their four-year degree at RCC? Q2 How do Native American students use their lived experiences to inform their everyday interactions and decisions? Q3 How has culture and community contributed to the feeling of belonging at RCC? This portraiture found the experiences of these students, their resilience, and the help of college and family support and resources contributed to feeling a sense of belonging and support to continue, ultimately completing their educational journey.