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Linda Relyea
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Big Crow-Abourezk earns doctorate from Adams State University
ALAMOSA, CO. (June 15, 2023) – Ilyani Lena Big Crow-Abourezk, Black Hawk, S.D., earned her Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision from Adams State University on May 13, 2023. The Graduate Commencement Ceremony awarded 449 degrees including 351 MA degrees; 41 MS; 46 MBA; and 11 doctorate degrees.
Big Crow-Abourezk is half Lakota (enrolled in the Oglala Lakota Tribe) and half Lebanese. She was raised by both of parents. “My grandfather reinforced the value of education. He was also a U.S. Senator for the State of South Dakota and accomplished so many things for Indigenous people. My parents raised me in an amazing home environment. One filled with love and modeling the value of education and hard work.”
She received a bachelor’s and master’s degree from South Dakota State University. In 2018, after several years working in the field, Big Crow-Abourezk opened her own private practice, and offered counseling services to Indigenous and LGBTQ2+ people.
“I raised my son on my own. He is 22 now. He has cerebral palsy and has endured 13 surgeries in 9 years, which most of those years were while I was in school. He is a child of a forever student.”
When her son turned 18, Big Crow-Abourezk decided to finish her educational goal, a doctorate. She applied at Adams State since it offered the online program with residencies in person. This worked perfectly for her schedule as a therapist.
Big Crow-Abourezk wants to bring more Indigenous counselors into the field. “There are too few. Studies show that only 1.6 percent of mental health providers, including doctors, psychiatrists, counselors, and social workers are Indigenous. Due to our long history of traumatic atrocities against us, we have generations of mental health needs to support any traditional healing. I thought I could accomplish this by becoming a professor and supervisor to better support Indigenous counselors-in-training. I also know that having a doctoral degree or “Ph.D.” behind your name makes people listen to you more. I can advocate and be a voice for the voiceless.”
During the doctoral program interview, Big Crow-Abourezk shared her goals. “The professors supported me from day one and accepted me into the program. It has been the most challenging thing I’ve ever done. I also started the first Indigenous Student Support group/club in order for Indigenous students at Adams State to have a community which is shown to improve graduation rates.”
Her dissertation is “The Lived Experience of Indigenous Counselors-in-Training: an exploration of barriers experienced in their counseling graduate program.” Big Crow-Abourezk maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout the program.
“I do this for my son, my nieces, and any Indigenous students coming up behind me. I want to model to them that they are capable of completing their education goals in a world that is not designed for them to succeed. I have had the support of Adams and my family to complete this goal and continue helping Indigenous students.”
She accepted a position as senior lecturer at South Dakota State University which includes teaching, supervising, advising, and advocating for all students, including Indigenous students. “I am honored and excited to do this alongside my private practice to fulfill the mental health needs of Indigenous People.”
Big Crow-Abourezk appreciates her family, including her son for his ongoing support; and her father for his guidance, modeling, and unconditional support. “I have many more family members who have supported me through this, because I do come from a large family.”
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Lena Big Crow-Abourezk earned her doctorate from Adams State University. Pictured, her sister beaded her hat and stole.