This qualitative portraiture examined Navajo Native Americans in the Southwest as an under-represented and resilient group in higher education. The scope of research focused on Navajo Native American students in higher education institutions utilizing cultural capitals and strengths to maneuver through four-year higher education institutions in the Southwestern United States. Portraiture was utilized to gather data and give insight to develop effective support systems for Southwest Navajo Native American students in colleges. This research will bring awareness to educational leaders to cultivate culturally sustaining supports for Navajo Native American students and to utilize cultural capital strengths so they can navigate and sustain through diverse four-year college educations systems in the Southwestern United States. There is a need for more research to support Navajo Native American students in the Southwest to meet education goals and become college ready to increase success rates of completion at higher education institutions. This study is important because it will add to scarce research to help Navajo Native American students. As an underrepresented minority, this group has one of the highest dropout rates and one of the highest unemployment rates in the country (Gentry & Fugate, 2012; United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018). Navajo Native American students need critically responsive leadership and support to overcome barriers, prepare for colleges, and meet educational goals. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]