Resistance Theory and the Transculturation Hypothesis

34appropriate counseling is greatly needed. The ideal counseling situation would likelyinclude highly trained, culturally sensitive American Indian counselors. However, thereality is that there has been, and likely remains, a shortage of competently trainedAmerican Indian professionals (Trimble & LaFromboise, 1985). Thus, cultural sensitivitymay prove to be the key to appropriate counseling. Ultimately the burden falls oninstitutions of higher learning to ensure that they have staffed culturally competent aswell as professionally trained personnel who are perceived as legitimate resourcesamong culturally traditional American Indian students.ConclusionPersistence of American Indians continues to be a major concern in higher education.Yet, the best alternative toward realizing educational success among culturallytraditional American Indians is to strive for achievement through cultural autonomy (VanHamm, 1996). The transculturated students of this study provide evidence thatculturally traditional American Indians can achieve academically while retaining theircultural integrity. If more favorable graduation and persistence rates are be realized, asituation in which American Indian college students perceive the freedom to expressany ethnic identity they chose (whether it be traditional or assimilated) should beencouraged. Such a situation would not solve all the problems besetting AmericanIndian higher education persistence. Nevertheless, it would make a positive difference.Terry Huffman, Ph.D. is an associate professor of sociology at the University of NorthDakota. He received his Ph.D. from Iowa State University. Areas of research interest34