Diné College Celebrates Student Success and Cultural Pride at 2026 AIHEC Banquet
TSAILE, Ariz., April 30, 2026. Diné College honored its students’ academic and cultural achievements at the 2026 American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) Student Banquet. The event, held at the Ned Hatathli Museum, featured Dr. Deborah Dennison, President of Diné College. Dr. Dennison emphasized the importance of balancing tradition and education, stating, “The ability to balance tradition with new knowledge gives you strength both in and out of the classroom. Your critical thinking, grounded in culture, prepares you to face challenges, serve your community, and succeed in every part of life.”
The banquet celebrated students who competed in the AIHEC Student Conference in Bismarck, North Dakota, from March 15-18, 2026, and highlighted the traditions of the Tribal College Movement, which brought together over 1,000 participants from Tribal Colleges and Universities. Diné College students excelled in competitions such as Art, Speech, Poetry Slam, Knowledge Bowl, Traditional Plants & Herbs, and Archery. They achieved major victories in Hand Games, Poetry Slam, and Creative Writing.
Dr. Kimberly Dominguez, Executive Director of Teacher Education, emphasized the importance of staying connected to culture while pursuing education. “You represent one of the first tribal colleges that built the foundation for sovereignty and self-determination,” Dominguez said. “Your resilience, rooted in cultural identity, fuels both personal growth and academic achievement. Choosing Diné College demonstrates your commitment not just to education, but to honoring your heritage and shaping a brighter future.”
Dr. Nonabah Sam, AIHEC Coach and Museum Curator, coached students in Poetry Slam, Persuasive Speech, and Creative Writing. She celebrated their outstanding achievements, including Damian D. Jones, Jr.’s first-place win and Terance T. Woody’s second-place finish in Poetry Slam, as well as Jalen Smallcanyon’s first-place win in Creative Writing. “Our achievements in creative writing and poetry are a testament to the teamwork and camaraderie that define our group,” Sam said. “Sharing these experiences together not only makes us stronger as competitors but also deepens our connections as a community.”
The Hand Games team, led by Coach Travis Teller and Dr. Avery Denny, brought home the championship trophy after ten years. Team captain Nanibah S. Bigman, along with teammates Ariyah C. James, Shoshanah M. Werito, Tewakeedah R. Martin, Damien D. Jones, Jr., and Madison M. Begay, practiced tirelessly for months. Teller praised their dedication, saying, “Our students practiced from January to March, showing incredible teamwork and resilience. Their undefeated journey to the championship was inspiring, and I’m so proud of their hard work and spirit.”
Reflecting on her experience, Nanibah S. Bigman, Hand Games team captain, shared, “Representing Diné College in Hand Games brought out my leadership skills and helped me grow alongside my teammates. Facing challenges together strengthened our unity and made me proud to honor my family and loved ones. I am grateful for the support and the chance to serve and represent my college.”
Sterling Walter, AIHEC Coach for Critical Inquiry, celebrated his team’s third-place finish, which included Tyrel Jones, Nanibah S. Bigman, Madison M. Begay, Terance T. Woody, and alternate Dayhenoa Yazzie. “Their ability to balance demanding academic schedules, adapt to new challenges, and support one another truly sets them apart,” Walter said. “Their commitment to critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving led to their well-earned success, and I am proud of the growth and unity they demonstrated throughout the competition.”
Acting Provost Patrick Blackwater closed the ceremony with words of encouragement and presented Terance T. Woody with a congratulatory acknowledgment for his role as the 2026-2027 AIHEC Southwest Regional Representative. “It’s inspiring to see each of you recognized for your achievements,” Blackwater said. “Take pride in who you are and where you come from, and remember to give back to your college, your family, and the Navajo Nation. Your success strengthens our community.”
The banquet celebrated not only the students’ victories but also their dedication to culture, teamwork, and community, leaving a lasting impact on everyone involved.
