Breaching the "cultural contract:" Committing to cultural sensitivity and cultural inclusion for Native American college students

Abstract

Often termed "the unknown minority" in higher education largely due to their small numbers on American college campuses, Native American college students necessitate a culturally responsive and inclusive academic environment. Utilizing the "cultural contract paradigm," this paper informs educators and administrators on how best to encourage Native American college student persistence and retention within increasingly multicultural educational institutions. Recommendations for the systemic implementation of efforts on the behalf of the modern institution including catering recruitment efforts more to the student and less to the institution, easing academic transitions, and seeking input from Native American elders and cultural leaders are proposed.