A study of resilience in First Nations post-secondary education students

• Main Author: Weenie, Angelina
• Other Authors: St. Denis, Verna, Hampton, Mary
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: University of Saskatchewan 2002
• Subjects: Indian; First Nations
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10388/etd-07222008-124235

The drop out rate of First Nations students has been a long-standing issue and concern. Although it is important to explore the factors for this dropout, this study takes a different approach. This thesis is intended to contribute to an understanding of the resilience processes that enable those who persevere and succeed in spite of great adversity. Six graduates, three female and three male, from the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College, Indian Education Program, were interviewed. Using a narrative inquiry method, their stories were analyzed. Data analysis revealed the factors and themes associated with resiliency. A model of resilience is presented based on the predominant protective factors that have been identified. These factors are: self-efficacy, vision, faith, stability, compassion, and resourcefulness. The implications of this study for First Nations education and research are discussed.