Ticket to Success: A College Guide for Indigenous Students

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Written by Travis Christensen

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Reviewed by Benjamin Fultz

 

In the world of higher education, Indigenous students offer a vital and vibrant perspective, interweaving their rich cultural traditions with the broader academic community. However, their journey through college is marked by a unique set of challenges and opportunities. In addition to academic achievements, these students also aim to uplift and preserve Indigenous cultures.

This guide is designed to address these unique challenges. We aim to provide a detailed explanation of areas that are critical for Indigenous students’ success in higher education, including in-depth information on navigating the college admissions process, identifying and applying for scholarships and financial aid, and engaging with academic support resources.

Additionally, this content will emphasize the importance of cultural preservation and community involvement, demonstrating how these aspects are essential to a holistic educational experience. Lastly, we will share inspiring stories of the many ways that Indigenous students can serve as role models.

This guide is designed to empower Indigenous students, offering practical advice and strategies for academic success, as well as highlighting the significance of education as a catalyst for positive change within Indigenous communities. Through a carefully curated compilation of resources, we aim to equip Indigenous students with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of higher education.

The triumphs of Indigenous students throughout history serve as an example of how education can foster individual achievement and community development. This guide is crafted to inspire, inform, and empower Indigenous students to achieve their academic goals and play a pivotal role in revitalizing and preserving Indigenous cultures and societies. We invite students to embark on this transformative educational journey, enriched by their heritage and driven by a vision of success and community empowerment.

Exploring Your Indigenous Identity


Setting foot on a college campus as an Indigenous student is a unique experience in itself. Going to college can present academic challenges, as well as an opportunity to explore your cultural identity and heritage.

What does it mean to represent Indigenous peoples through your education? And on the other hand, which educational path is best for your own intellectual curiosities?

This initial step is an opportunity to explore both your cultural heritage and your personal desires.

Finding Yourself

  • Consider Your Cultural Heritage: Be open to exploring your cultural identity by understanding and appreciating the history, traditions, and values of your Indigenous community. This knowledge strengthens your sense of self and can guide your educational and personal growth.

  • Carve Your Own Path: While there can be immense value and community found in leaning into your Indigenous heritage, everyone has a responsibility to  live life on their own terms. Remember that the way you adopt and express your Indigenous roots is your decision, and you are free to move and act in the way that best reflects your personality and beliefs.

  • Know Your Rights: Indigenous students are entitled to certain rights and protections in the academic setting, including access to cultural accommodations and support services. Familiarize yourself with policies like the American Indian Religious Freedom Act and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

  • Explore Indigenous-Focused Programs: Many colleges offer Indigenous studies programs, which can provide a supportive environment for exploring your cultural identity and community.

Keep Exploring

  • National Congress of American Indians: comprehensive resources and advocacy for Indigenous peoples’ rights and culture

  • College Horizons: pre-college program for Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students, offering resources for college admission and scholarships

The college journey for Indigenous students is not just about academic success; it’s about embracing yourself and determining how you want to express your identity. You get to decide the role that your Native American heritage plays in your identity and to be true to yourself, regardless of the expectations that others may have. As you move through your college experience, remember that your unique perspective enriches the academic community, paving the way for a future where more Indigenous people are celebrated for their achievements.

Scholarships and Financial Aid


Entering the world of higher education requires financial planning, especially for Indigenous students who may face unique challenges. There are many scholarships and financial aid packages available exclusively to Native American students. This helps alleviate the burden of college expenses and promotes the academic aspirations of Indigenous communities.

Understanding and accessing these resources can significantly impact your college experience, opening doors to new opportunities.

Maximizing Your Financial Aid Package

  • Indigenous-Specific Scholarships: Many organizations and foundations offer scholarships aimed at supporting Indigenous students. These scholarships recognize both academic achievements and community involvement, offering financial assistance tailored to your unique cultural background.

  • Government and Tribal Education Funds: Research funding opportunities provided by both federal programs and your own tribe. Tribal colleges, in particular, often partner with external funding bodies to support their students.

  • Application Strategies for Success: Crafting compelling essays that reflect your heritage, goals, and academic ambitions can set you apart. Letters of recommendation for Indigenous-specific scholarships should ideally come from individuals who understand your background and can speak to your strengths and potential.

  • Efficient Financial Aid Management: Beyond tuition, consider how financial aid can be used for housing, books, and other educational expenses. Developing a budget and understanding the terms of your aid are essential steps in managing your financial resources effectively.

Further Funding Opportunities


Financial aid and scholarships can profoundly influence the college journey, transforming the landscape of possibilities for Indigenous students. As you navigate the process of securing scholarships and financial aid, remember that each step you take brings you closer to your academic goals and contributes to the success of Indigenous students in academic settings.

Promoting Culture and Community Involvement


The college experience offers a unique opportunity for Indigenous students to pursue academic excellence while deepening their cultural connections and advocating for their communities. Staying actively involved in cultural and community-related activities on campus can help preserve your heritage and foster a sense of belonging.

Discovering Your Community

  • Indigenous Student Organizations: Most colleges have student organizations focused on Indigenous cultures and issues. These groups offer a space for students to connect with peers who share similar backgrounds and experiences.

  • Cultural Events: Participating in cultural events and ceremonies on campus allows you to stay connected with your traditions and share them with the broader college community. These events can serve as a vital reminder of your roots and the collective journey of your people.

  • Advocacy: College campuses are vibrant arenas for social change. Engaging in advocacy efforts to raise awareness about Indigenous issues contributes to a more inclusive academic environment and empowers your community.

  • Support Network: Building relationships with fellow Indigenous students and allies can provide a strong support system. These connections can be invaluable for personal growth, academic success, and cultural exchange.

Keep Discovering

  • Fastweb: searchable database of scholarships for students who meet specific criteria

  • Cultural Survival: tools and advice for those looking to advocate for Indigenous rights


Celebrating your cultural identity and staying involved in community activities on campus both contribute to preserving your heritage. These activities allow you to draw strength from your culture while educating others, building bridges of understanding and respect that enrich the entire community.

Academic Support and Specialized Resources

For Indigenous students, taking advantage of support systems and resources can greatly enhance the college experience. Students can find tailored support that respects and understands Indigenous perspectives.

Connect With Resources

  • Advising and Tutoring: Some institutions may offer tutoring and academic advising services that cater specifically to Indigenous students. These resources can provide personalized guidance and academic support, ensuring that you have the tools necessary to excel.

  • Culturally-Sensitive Mental Health Resources: It's crucial to have access to mental health and wellness services that acknowledge the unique experiences of Indigenous students. Such resources can offer a space for healing and support, grounded in an understanding of Indigenous cultures and values.

  • Study and Research Opportunities: Exploring academic programs, research projects, and internships focused on Indigenous studies can provide valuable insight into your heritage while contributing to your professional development. These opportunities allow you to delve deeper into issues affecting Indigenous communities and find ways to make a meaningful impact.

  • Alumni Networks: Alumni networks can be a rich source of mentorship and career advice, connecting you with Indigenous professionals who have navigated similar paths and can offer their wisdom.

Keep Connecting


Understanding and using the academic support and resources available to you is helpful to overcome challenges and achieve your academic goals. These resources are designed to support your growth both as a student and a citizen.

Preparing for Post-College Success


The transition from college to the professional world or further education represents a significant milestone for any student. For Indigenous students, this journey has the potential to positively impact their communities and contribute to the preservation and growth of Indigenous cultures.

This period is crucial for identifying a career path that resonates with your personal ambitions and your community’s needs, establishing a network that spans both Indigenous and non-Indigenous spaces, exploring continuing education opportunities, and advocating for greater Indigenous representation in your field.

Meaningful Career Opportunities

  • Identifying a Career Path: Indigenous students, like all students, seek careers that fulfill personal aspirations and goals. However, for many Indigenous graduates, their career choices are also deeply intertwined with their community's needs and the desire to make a meaningful impact. Identifying the right path requires introspection and a clear understanding of how personal skills and passions can meet community challenges. This can include exploring careers in areas directly affecting Indigenous communities, such as environmental conservation, healthcare, education, and law, where they can play pivotal roles in shaping policies and practices that benefit Indigenous peoples.

  • Job Search Strategies: Indigenous students can leverage their unique cultural perspectives and community connections in the job market. Networking within Indigenous communities can help graduates find opportunities in organizations and projects focused on Indigenous development.

  • Continuing Education Opportunities: Continuing education, including graduate studies, offers a pathway to specialized knowledge and skills that can be directly applied to the challenges faced by Indigenous communities. Fields such as Indigenous studies, environmental science, public health, and law offer avenues for Indigenous graduates to effect change.

  • Advocating: By advocating for Indigenous representation, Indigenous graduates can help pave the way for future generations and contribute to more inclusive and equitable workplaces.

Keep Striving

  • Alberta ALIS: tips and resources for career planning and job searching, tailored for Indigenous graduates in Canada, with information that is also relevant for students in North America and beyond

  • CERIC: discusses the value of a whole-person approach in Indigenous career development


The post-college phase is filled with opportunities for Indigenous graduates. By aligning career choices with personal and community goals, leveraging unique perspectives, pursuing further education, and advocating for increased Indigenous representation, Indigenous students can make significant contributions to their communities.

Indigenous Role Models


The experience of Indigenous peoples across various spheres of life—academia, activism, business, and the arts—is punctuated with stories of remarkable courage, innovation, and achievement. These narratives serve as beacons of inspiration that light the way for future generations.

Celebrating Those Who Have Paved the Way

  • Highlighting Trailblazers: From activists who have battled for equality to artists who have enriched the world with their creativity, many Indigenous people exemplify determination and excellence. Explore trailblazers from the past and present, such as war leader Crazy Horse, political leader Sitting Bull, astronaut John Herrington, writer Tommy Orange, and actress Lily Gladstone.

  • Importance of Visibility: Seeing oneself reflected in the stories of success is vital to empower Indigenous students. Sharing these narratives provides proof that despite the barriers, success is attainable and that one's cultural identity can be a source of strength and resilience.

  • Inspiring Future Generations: The stories of these achievers serve as a motivational force, encouraging Indigenous students to dream big and work hard toward their goals. These stories demonstrate the many paths to success, affirming that each journey is unique and that obstacles are only stepping stones to greatness.

  • Many Paths to Success: The different journeys of Indigenous achievers remind us that there are many ways to reach one's goals. Whether it’s through traditional education, entrepreneurial ventures, artistic expression, or activism, each path is valid and worthy of celebration.

Keep Celebrating

  • Biography: profiles of Indigenous individuals who have made significant contributions to their fields, offering insight into their journeys and the impact of their work

  • Good Housekeeping: collection of stories celebrating achievements of Indigenous celebrities, highlighting their successes and the power of community support


The stories of these Indigenous champions are more than just tales of personal triumph; they are powerful reminders of the potential that lies within each student. By showcasing the diversity of Indigenous success, we aim to remind students to pursue their dreams with conviction and to make their mark on the world. With these role models, students can understand that they too can achieve greatness.

Today’s Takeaways

As we bring this guide to a close, let us reflect on the topics we've explored. From understanding the significance of scholarships and financial support to engaging deeply with your cultural roots and community on campus, this guide has provided a comprehensive framework to support Indigenous students in navigating the academic landscape with confidence and resilience.

 

Each section has emphasized the importance of harnessing available resources, advocating for oneself and one's community, and leveraging academic and extracurricular opportunities to foster personal growth and academic success. By embracing these strategies, Indigenous students can benefit from a college experience that respects and reflects their unique identities and cultures.

 

The transition from college to the next phase—be it further education or career pursuits—carries with it the responsibility and opportunity to be an ambassador of your heritage and an advocate for your community. The knowledge gained, the networks built, and the experiences shared during your college years form a solid foundation to honor your past and pave the way for generations to come.

 

When embracing the lessons and strategies outlined in this guide, remember that your journey is one of immense power and potential. As an Indigenous student, your voice, perspective, and contributions are essential. The time you spent studying, with friends, and exploring new possibilities will help you balance your cultural heritage with your desire for self-expression.

 

Through the ups and downs of life, may this guide serve as a beacon. Let it light the path to success and empower you to move forward boldly, with the strength of your ancestors behind you and a world of possibilities ahead.

References for Further Reading

Below you'll find a list of all the resources mentioned in this guide. This compilation is designed to deepen your understanding of the topics discussed, serving as a gateway to further exploration.

 

National Congress of American Indians: http://www.ncai.org

 

College Horizons: https://www.collegehorizons.org

 

American Indian College Fund: https://collegefund.org

 

Bureau of Indian Education: https://www.bie.edu

 

Fastweb: https://www.fastweb.com

 

Cultural Survival: https://www.culturalsurvival.org

 

Indigenous Student Affairs Network: https://myacpa.org/groups/isan

 

Kansas University: https://indigenous.ku.edu/resources

 

Alberta alis: https://alis.alberta.ca/tools-and-resources/resources-for-indigenous-people/career-planning-for-indigenous-peoples

 

CERIC: https://ceric.ca/2021/10/the-importance-of-a-whole-person-approach-in-indigenous-career-development

 

Biography: https://www.biography.com/history-culture/influential-native-americans-list

 

Good Housekeeping: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/entertainment/g41530302/famous-native-americans