Lived Experiences of Native American College Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Eight Native American college students were interviewed using a semi-structured interview protocol regarding their lived experiences of coping with the pandemic while in college. Besides the researchers’ interpretation of the themes through their own intersectional positionality, the students’ own stories are the most emphasized aspect of the chapter. The injustices and disparities due to the long history of colonization and intergenerational trauma were present among this sample including subthemes of historical trauma, uncomfortable mental health, learning challenges, and COVID-19-related changes. Other themes also emerge of resiliency, survivance, and community support due to the many strengths among Native Americans. Students also highlight survivance, culture as treatment, collectivistic coping, and positive actions the college took to support them.