ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the importance of incorporating culture into programming for Native American students. Incorporating Native culture in student affairs is important and necessary because as students continue to experiment, grow, and learn, they must have the capacity to carry with them what is most essential, their cultural identity. Some student affairs and academic affairs staff, faculty members, and Native students have brought ways of incorporating Native culture into both programming and pedagogy. There have been successful efforts to make institutions more hospitable and relevant to Native students and to create opportunities for non-Native students, faculty, and staff to learn about Native peoples. The Sacred Hoop model provides a culture-based approach to support the development of Native American students as they navigate through higher education. Proper implementation of the Sacred Hoop Model allows for the full expression and involvement of Native Americans in institutions of higher learning.
