March 09, 2025
Diné College Student Wins Poetry Slam on Opening Day of the 36th Annual AIHEC Student Conference
RAPID CITY, S.D. – March 8, 2025. The 36th Annual American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) Student Conference launched its first day at the Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center, celebrating the theme “Ancient Wisdom, the Foundation of our Future: Sovereignty, Unity, and Strength for Future Generations.” Tribal colleges and universities from across the nation gathered to kick off this highly anticipated event.
Activities on day one included registration, exhibit booth setups, a coaches’ meeting, and a student gathering that brought attendees together in a spirit of community and creativity. The student gathering featured a Poetry Slam, a T-shirt exchange, and a pizza party. Mistress of Ceremony Tiana Spotted Thunder guided the evening’s program, whose energy and enthusiasm set the tone for the conference.
The Poetry Slam proved to be the highlight of the day, showcasing the immense talent and passion of students representing various Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). Diné College made its mark when student Terance Woody earned first place, prevailing over intense competition and setting a high standard for the event. Woody’s victory was celebrated by his fellow Diné College students and staff, who cheered him on during the performance.
Three Diné College students—Dayhenoa Yazzie, Madison Begay, and Damien Jones—also Jalen Smallcanyon as the Sacrificial Poet, which was slated to break the ice for all the poets who performed; the students impressed the audience with their creative expressions and strong representation of Diné College.
All four students demonstrated the power of youth voices in sharing and preserving Indigenous traditions while inspiring fellow students.
The success of the first day reinforced the conference theme, spotlighting both the individuality and unity of Indigenous communities. This year’s conference promises continued opportunities for students to connect, compete, and collaborate as they learn from one another and honor the wisdom of their ancestors.
The AIHEC Student Conference will continue through March 12, 2025, with ongoing events, academic competitions, and cultural celebrations shaping an enriching experience for all attendees.
