Journeys to Success: Perceptions of Five Female Aboriginal High School Graduates

Abstract

This article outlines the results of a qualitative research study of five Aboriginal girls in grade 12 at a Catholic high school in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Using a discursive narrative method in the form of sharing circles, the researcher identified factors that contribute to the success of Aboriginal students in high school. The sharing circle format provided an appropriate cultural method of collecting data, which over two group sessions offered rich stories and experiences of the participants. Their collective voice identified several features as sources of success including family support, teachers' expectations and support, engaging curriculum and cultural relevance, and others.