Last month, College of Menominee Nation students excelled at the annual tribal college and university convening. The American Indian Higher Education Consortium has been hosting an annual student conference since 1980, and this year’s event drew over 1,000 people to Bismarck, North Dakota, for competitions and conversations that showcased the power of tribally controlled education.
The conference’s theme was, “Our Stories, Our Strength, Our Future!” and the messages that welcomed us focused on the collective impact tribal colleges and universities have on Turtle Island.
American Indian College Fund CEO Cheryl Crazy Bull told the assemblage that there are “around 20,000” TCU students attending 34 TCUs across the United States. Her organization distributed over $25 million in scholarships this year alone.
“I tell donors a story about all of you, and it’s a great story because it’s a true story about all you want to do and will accomplish,” Crazy Bull said.
United Tribes Technical College President Leander McDonald ensured the focus was not just on the present moment, stating, “The colleges and universities do not belong to us. They belong to the people. We are not the center of the universe, but we are a part of the universe and we have to do our part.”
Ahniwake Rose, president and CEO of AIHEC, said, “The AIHEC Student Conference is much more than a tribal college student gathering. It’s nation building. We have schools in 16 states, and we serve over 250 tribal nations.”
Of course, much of the excitement came during the student competitions, and CMN continued its streak of taking home some lauded hardware.
CMN’s Knowledge Bowl team was comprised of Trinity Caldwell, Rachel Schultz and Riley Tucker. The threesome outpaced 20 four-person teams in the regional tribal text trivia competition and earned second place.
Looking back, Tucker said, “AIHEC has shown me what I am capable of achieving when I really apply myself. Our team’s dedication and hard work definitely paid off, but I feel like the knowledge that I have gained is the most rewarding part.”
Schultz added, “It felt great to be among so many Native students and get to know some of my classmates. Since I just started at CMN, it made me feel at home.”
Their coach, Vicki Besaw, concurred.
“The atmosphere and sense of community of AIHEC is wonderful. We rarely get the opportunity to spend time with other tribal college staff and students, so it is always a special experience,” Besaw said.
CMN’s Science Bowl consisted of Margaret Cornelius, Savannah Hackey and Evelyn Schmidt, with the former two also presenting scientific posters. Hackey took second place in the Science Oral Presentation.
Hackey reflected, “My favorite part was being able to share my knowledge and also learn from others. This was my first time attending, and it was great to be surrounded by so much support and good energy all the way around.”
Cornelius echoed, stating, “It felt truly amazing to be part of such a huge event, with so many Indigenous scholars pursuing education and so much more. In a society that often works against us, AIHEC is such a vital event for Indigenous communities, connecting educators and students and celebrating Indigenous excellence in education.”
Multiyear attendee and CMN science coach Lucy Fenzl agreed.
“AIHEC has always been about our students building connections with other TCU students and faculty, as well as watching them apply and excel at what they have learned at CMN in their competitions,” Fenzl said.
Having participated in the student conference since 2006, I agree that seeing students thrive is a feeling unlike any other. This year, I coached Evelyn Schmidt to a third-place finish in the Oral Interpretation-Humorous contest, making it her third consecutive year placing in Speech while also extending CMN’s run as award-wining orators for two decades-long.
CMN’s Student of the Year Gracie Waukechon also presented a powerful speech alongside accepting the praise of the CMN and TCU communities.
“Attending AIEHC was a life-changing experience that opened my eyes to the connection between tribal colleges while reaffirming my love for my own. Being part of that network reminded me of all those who came before me who fought for sovereignty and education, and motivates me to preserve and protect that right for those who are yet to arrive,” Waukechon said.
Like the other TCU students and staff in attendance, CMN’s 12-member delegation was comprised of people committed to the mission of uplifting the tribal college movement. It’s a powerful story, best told by many nations.
Ryan Winn, Ph.D., teaches communications, English, history and theater at the College of Menominee Nation. Visit www.menominee.edu for more information about the school.
