March 25, 2025

Diné College AIHEC Newly Elected Student Congress Take Lead in Federal Advocacy and Public Health Campaigns

TSAILE, Ariz. Two Diné College students, Jalen Smallcanyon and Jana Stewart, have been elected to key roles in the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) Student Congress for 2025-26, showcasing their leadership and commitment to strengthening Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). Their contributions extend beyond academics, reflecting a dedication to cultural preservation, federal advocacy, and community health initiatives.

Smallcanyon, pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing after earning an Associate of Arts in Diné Studies, serves as the Southwest Representative for AIHEC Student Congress. The organization supports leadership, self-governance, cultural preservation, educational achievement, and community development across TCUs. Smallcanyon focuses on federal advocacy, working with lawmakers to secure essential funding and resources.

“Federal advocacy is crucial for our Tribal Colleges and Universities,” Smallcanyon said. “We need to ensure these institutions are fully funded and operating effectively so students can continue their education. Representing Diné College and the Southwest region has been an honor, and I’ve been proud to speak on behalf of our students during AIHEC’s Legislative Summits in Washington, D.C.”

Smallcanyon also serves as a Student Regent on the Diné College Board of Regents, gaining experience in governance and systemic advocacy. “Leadership positions like these foster collaboration and equip us to advocate for systemic change that benefits all TCU students and communities,” they said.

Jana Stewart, a public health major from Diné College’s Tsaile campus, is addressing health disparities within Navajo communities. Inspired by caring for her grandmother, she shifted her focus from nursing to public health, which led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree.

“The program I’m majoring in isn’t just about building my knowledge. It’s about benefiting my community and advocating for the Navajo people as a whole,” Stewart said.

Stewart also serves as the Sergeant-at-Arms for AIHEC Student Congress and the Associated Students of Diné College (ASDC). Through these roles, she supports student engagement and addresses barriers to success. “We have such a unique place in higher education because of our ability to merge our cultural traditions with Western knowledge,” she said. “This balance is crucial not only for our future as individuals but for the future of our communities and the next several generations.”

The achievements of Smallcanyon and Stewart are grounded in mentorship and support they received at Diné College. Stewart credited faculty guidance for her personal and professional growth. “I’m grateful to the faculty who believed in me and motivated me to push myself,” she said.

Smallcanyon emphasized the significance of AIHEC’s collaborative approach. “Being part of AIHEC has shown me the importance of advocacy and unity across Tribal Colleges and Universities. It brings us together to support all students and communities,” Smallcanyon said.

Both students exemplify Diné College’s mission to nurture academic success and cultural stewardship, inspiring others to use education as a pathway to strengthening Indigenous communities.

AIHEC Student Congress Leadership Announced
Joining Smallcanyon and Stewart in the AIHEC Student Congress are President Tanner Veo (Sitting Bull College), Vice President Dakota Waupoose (College of Menominee Nation), Secretary Tayloure Baker (Institute of American Indian Arts), Treasurer Casey Morton (Oglala Lakota College), Communications Officer Tyler LaMere (Little Priest Tribal College), and Regional Representatives Kimberly Goodman (Red Lake Nation College) and Raven Turner (Little Priest Tribal College). Together, they represent a unified effort to promote leadership and equity for students at TCUs nationwide.

PHOTO: Top row (L-R): Jalen Smallcanyon (Southwest Regional Representative-Dine College), Jana Stewart (Sergeant at Arms-Dine College), Dakota Waupoose [red shirt] (Vice President, College of Menominee Nation), Tanner Veo [blue suit] (President, Sitting Bull College), Tayloure Baker [black shirt] (Secretary, Institute of American Indian Arts) and Casey Morton (Treasurer, Oglala Lakota College)