Iḷisaġvik College students, Marie Stackhouse, Anna Henry, Carlos Soto and Staff members Simon Aina (Student Life Manager/ Residence Advisor) and Christine Coll (First Year Coordinator), attended the 39th Annual American Indian Higher Education Consortium’s (AIHEC) Student Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico from March 4-7, 2023.
This year’s theme was “Living Our Ancestor’s Prayers” which recognizes the dreams/ visions our descendants have that Indigenous cultures and languages would thrive through the tribal college movement. The conference had an amazing schedule with different student competitions, general sessions and cultural activities that helped us to learn more and gave opportunities to grow and network with other TCUs.
Carlos, a First-Year student, enrolled in the business program, joined the Chess competition. He did an incredible job and was able to reach round 3 of the competition. Marie, an Iñupiaq Studies student, joined the Art Competition where she showcased her masterpiece – Iñupiaq Dancing Mittens. Many loved her art piece and inquired about it. Anna, a First-Year student who is also enrolled in the business program, joined many different learning sessions. All the students were great as they represented the college well via networking with fellow TCUs and voted in the AIHEC Student Congress (ASC). All the keynote speakers were exceptional and inspiring. They shared the importance of believing in oneself, serving our people, and reaping the harvest of what the ancestors have sewn into the future generations. They also communicated the vital role of the tribal colleges and universities.
