Back in March, over 20 students from Haskell Indian Nations University attended the 2023 AIHEC conference that was held in Albuquerque NM. It was before the pandemic when Haskell Indian Nations University had attended the previous AIHEC conference. The American Indian Higher Education Consortium supports and promotes agriculture, indigenous food systems, science research, internships, fellowships, and careers for tribal universities and engaging within American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Since it was the first conference after the pandemic, it was exciting to be able to meet with all tribal universities around the country. All Haskell students who participated in this conference would firstly like to give a huge thank you to the University for giving the opportunity in tribal leadership, and to experience more opportunities on educational activities. Also, a special thank you to all our sponsors who supported, cared for, and coached the students along the way. They were an important part of the AIHEC Conference. HINU students enjoyed getting to meet with other students and employees while traveling together and eating together, including going to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and learning about their culture and history. This year’s 2023 AIHEC conference included categories, such as, art and film, culinary arts, business and science curricular, creative writing, and educational/traditional activities. Being a part of this conference inspired so many students and sponsors to go back to their homes and share their experience and influence future indigenous students. Senior Business Major Justin Tso stated, “it felt good to represent my university and my people back home”. All students who are a part of the AIHEC club on Haskell campus accomplished on building team support by practicing and working together on fundraising for future Conference and events. President of Haskell AIHEC Daryn Berryhill Says, “it was a time we all came together and supported each other in each competition. I’m very proud of all the students that participated. It was an amazing experience for it being my first time at the conference. My goal is to bring many more students for next year’s conference, truly inspiring…”. This spring semester has flown by however, American Indian higher education consortium has opened the mindset of these college students. As Haskell students, they are very proud to be a part of this university and to share the talents of each other as a team. The AIHEC team will continue to influence and encourage more students to pursue opportunities for higher education, and of course to have fun along the way. Lastly, AIHEC would like to say congratulations to everybody who participated and received awards and acknowledgment for their hard work and commitment. The students are already excited to bring more Haskell pride and will be attending next years’ conference.
Here are a few students who attended the conference and would like to share their experience at AIHEC:
Name: Marilyn Ellis Year: Junior
Vice President of HINU AIHEC Tribe: Minnesota Chippewa Tribe Major: Environmental Science
Picture credit: Tirahowardphotography
“The AIHEC trip was the first one since the pandemic. I went before during 2017 and 2018. At the time I was at a different tribal college. It was cool seeing Haskell all dressed up in matching skirts and shirts. I remember at the time seeing that and it sparked interest in going to Haskell. Our tribal college ended up touring Haskell the following year, but it all started at AIHEC. Being able to participate in AIHEC again at the college I seen when first going to AIHEC during 2017 in South Dakota was amazing. I’m glad I went. I think it’s a different experience. Especially seeing other tribal colleges there and students. I remember being nervous and full of anxiety, but having teammates who are actively supporting you during your events helps. It’s different. Hearing the chants from other students for their colleges. Seeing people from all over. I would do it all over again.”
Name: Liliana Kester Year: Freshman
Tribe: Comanche Nation Tribe Major: Social Work
Picture credit: Tirahowardphotography
“I had a wonderful time at AIHEC this year! I was so amazed with the entire conference students that attended the conference, it really felt like we were a part of a team. Even though we had all met each other very recently we were all able to band together and create an amazing atmosphere of Haskell pride that I think the whole conference was surprising to see. I am so glad that Haskell’s AIHEC club was able to show out this year in the best way possible.”
Name: Mikaela Benson Tribe: Oglala Lakota Year: Sophomore
Secretary of HINU AIHEC Major: Social Work
“Never knew that there was a conference for native college scholars. When hearing about AIHEC for the first time, I felt honored to know that I had the opportunity to represent Haskell academically and culturally. It was exciting meeting new peers from other tribal programs. The positive impact gave me hope knowing that education will have a positive impact for future indigenous students.”
Name: Justin D. Tso Year: Senior
Tribe: Navajo/Hopi
Major: Business Admin emphasis in Management
“This was my first time participating at AIHEC and it was amazing! I was excited at how many tribal colleges showed up to compete with one another. I met a lot of new people and saw old friends there as well. The peak of my visit was when I won the chess tournament at AIHEC, it
felt good to represent my university and my people back home. I can’t wait for the next convention.”
Name: Daryn Berryhill Year: Senior
Tribe: Muscogee Creek
Major: Business Admin emphasis in Management
Picture credit: Tirahowardphotography
“Originally, I was introduced to Handgames and Rocket coding club my freshman year back in 2018. That was the beginning of my experience with American higher
education consortium. During my time here at Haskell, I always had other curricular and sport-related events I had committed to, so it was more special for me to attend this year’s conference. Though it is my first and last time at the AIHEC conference, I’m still going to continue to share about this experience, and hopefully encourage many
students here at Haskell Indian Nations University to engage with more people and be confident about their artistic abilities and academic success.”
