ABSTRACT
The grit narrative assumes that a gritty individual has an inner drive to remain resilient over an extended period of time to overcome barriers. When applied to marginalized groups in higher education, it serves to deflect the role of settler colonialism in perpetuating the necessity to be resilient. This chapter argues that the grit narrative accepts as normative the structural roles of settler colonialism by putting the gaze on exceptional individuals while masking what matters, what students are being so resilient about, and the focus of their perseverance and grit—cultural integrity and continuance as a people. Discussing the literature through critical inquiries such as Indigenous feminist theories help expose readers to assumptions like individuality and racism that support the grit narratives and the danger that results. Examples from Indigenous student experiences are shared.
