Southeastern Oklahoma State University and Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma's ConnectHome Intergenerational Mentoring Partnership

• In Event: 29.082 - Roundtable Session 9
  In Roundtable Session: 29.082-3 - Positive Identity Development in Words and Action

Abstract

As an endangered population (0.9% of total population, U.S. Census Bureau, 2010), Native American’s personal and overall Tribal capacity building is critical to overall cultural preservation and revitalization. One current method of empowering Native Americans is via Internet connectivity and culturally-responsive, innovative digital literacy training and Internet connectivity via the recent Connect Home Initiative (White House, 2015). Currently, there is a lack of research regarding these issues; thus, the purpose of this mixed methods study is to explore ways in which culturally-responsive, inter-generational, and innovative mentoring program can empower Tribal members, especially in rural and remote areas. Grounded in Wenger’s (2009) virtual communities of practice, this study seeks to help bridge this literature gap.

Author

• Crystal Claudett Moore, Southeastern Oklahoma State University