UNIVERSITY of CALIFORNIA Los Angeles California Tribal Nations
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UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA Los Angeles California Tribal Nations and the University: Examining Institutional Relationships, Responsibility and Reciprocity A dissertation submitted in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Philosophy in Education by Theresa Jean Ambo 2017 © Copyright by Theresa Jean Ambo 2017 ABSTRACT OF DISSERTATION California Tribal Nations and the University: Examining Institutional Relationships, Responsibility and Reciprocity by Theresa Jean Ambo Doctor of Philosophy in Education University of California, Los Angeles, 2017 Professor Sylvia Hurtado, Chair There is an educational attainment crisis among American Indian students in California’s public colleges and universities, who continue to have the lowest college completion compared to any underrepresented group. California tribes believe that higher education can assist in the achievement of nation-building goals. However, close examination of how tribes and postsecondary institutions work together to ensure the success of American Indian students and their communities is necessary. This study examined contemporary relationships between tribal nations and public postsecondary universities in California. This nested, multiple case study used Tribal Critical Race Theory and community-campus partnership frameworks to understand how institutional agents articulate formal and informal relationships with local tribes. Case study sites consisted of two University of California campuses, non-federally recognized tribes, and proximally located federally recognized tribes. Documents and interviews with senior ii administrators, American Indian unit heads, and tribal representatives were collected and analyzed to understand different perspectives on relationships with, responsibility to, and educational needs of tribes within and across sites. Several findings emerged related to the limited knowledge university administrators had regarding American Indians broadly and the state of relations with California tribes. Findings demonstrate that formal relationships focused on federally recognized tribes and were dictated by federal, state or system-wide policies, educational resources, and economic opportunities. Conversely, informal relationships with non-federally recognized tribes were primarily maintained by university-based American Indian programs or departments. Representatives from American Indian units expressed the responsibility of universities to include and serve American Indian students and communities for democratic, reconciliatory, and ethical reasons. Last, participants identified current tribal needs for academic preparation, educational resources to support nation-building, and assistance with federal recognition applications, but also stressed the importance of consulting with tribes to address evolving needs. Overall, this study offers significant recommendations for the case study sites, as well as public universities in California and nationally. From a substantive standpoint, this analysis adds to our understanding of factors that are important to advancing tribal-university relationships and partnerships. This study also expands on existing community-campus partnership frameworks, introducing a cultural-specific approach for incorporating tribes into university government and community relations activities. iii The dissertation of Theresa Jean Ambo is approved. Walter R. Allen Bryan McKinley Jones Brayboy Teresa L. McCarty Sylvia Hurtado, Committee Chair University of California, Los Angeles 2017 iv DEDICATION For Carmelita MaryLouise Gonzales Aguila and Dolores Maria Aguila Stewart v TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract of Dissertation ................................................................................................................ ii List of Tables ................................................................................................................................ ix Chapter One – Introduction ........................................................................................................ 1 Problem Statement .......................................................................................................................... 2 Tension with Historical Purpose and Mission of Higher Education ............................................... 4 The Relationship Between Tribes and Postsecondary Institutions ................................................. 7 California Tribal Partnerships in Education ................................................................................... 9 Purpose and Research Questions .................................................................................................. 11 Scope of Research ......................................................................................................................... 12 Contributions of the Study ............................................................................................................ 16 Overview of Dissertation .............................................................................................................. 18 Chapter Two – Literature Review ............................................................................................. 19 Key Terms ..................................................................................................................................... 19 Historical Background on Tribal-University Relationships ......................................................... 23 Missionary Domination .................................................................................................... 24 Federal Government Domination ..................................................................................... 26 Self-Determination Period ................................................................................................ 28 American Indian Academic Achievement .................................................................................... 30 Tribal Critical Race Theory .......................................................................................................... 33 Contemporary Tribal-University Relationships ............................................................................ 37 University Collaborations with American Indians ........................................................... 37 Tribal Specific Collaborations .......................................................................................... 42 Understanding the Needs of Tribal Communities ............................................................ 49 Community-Campus Partnerships Framework ............................................................................. 50 Summary ....................................................................................................................................... 54 Chapter Three – Research Methodology: Paradigm and Methods ....................................... 55 Researcher’s Positionality ............................................................................................................. 55 My Story ........................................................................................................................... 56 Paradigmatic and Methodological Stance ..................................................................................... 60 Research Questions ....................................................................................................................... 64 Multiple Case Study of Tribal-University Relationships ............................................................. 65 Unit of Analysis ................................................................................................................ 66 Site Description ................................................................................................................. 71 Final Sample and Data Sources .................................................................................................... 75 Sample............................................................................................................................... 75 Participant Outreach.......................................................................................................... 78 Interviews .......................................................................................................................... 78 Document Collection ........................................................................................................ 79 Researcher Journal ............................................................................................................ 81 Navigating Research with California Tribal Nations........................................................ 81 Data Analysis ................................................................................................................................ 87 vi Coding and Codebook Development ................................................................................ 87 Four-Level Data Analysis ................................................................................................. 89 Reporting Findings............................................................................................................ 91 Analytical Memos ............................................................................................................. 92 Trustworthiness ............................................................................................................................