Diné College Student Jana Stewart Honored at Tribal Alliance for Pollinators Conference
BIXBY. OK, Jana Stewart, a student leader at Diné College, recently attended the Tribal Alliance for Pollinators Conference at the Euchee Butterfly Farm on the Muscogee Nation Reservation. She joined other Indigenous students, scientists, and community leaders to discuss the protection of vital insects and the sharing of traditional ecological knowledge.
“I am deeply honored to have been selected to attend the Tribal Alliance for Pollinators Conference,” Stewart said. “This opportunity was especially meaningful to me, as it highlights the importance of Indigenous knowledge systems in environmental stewardship and the protection of pollinators—an essential part of our ecosystems and cultural practices.”
At the event, Stewart connected with Beau and Bryce Whetstine, two students from the College of the Muscogee Nation. The Whetstines shared their inspiring work at a local butterfly farm. Stewart noted how encouraging it was to meet other Indigenous students who care deeply about science, land care, and helping their communities.
Jane Breckinridge, director of the organization, shared a special message during the event. She thanked the students for coming and expressed a strong desire to build closer ties with Diné College and the Navajo Nation. We are all very honored and grateful that we could host Jana at this event and look forward to hopefully working more with you in the future!” stated Breckinridge. She stressed the need to create clear pathways and more chances for Indigenous students to get involved in this vital work.
Stewart understands that college students balance many daily tasks. However, she encouraged others to follow their interests. She promised that passionate students will find kind and helpful people along the way. Through her own work with the American Indian Higher Education Consortium Student Congress, Stewart has found incredible support and inspiration.
While the academic journey brings challenges, Stewart called it a highly rewarding experience. She expressed deep pride in tribal college students who help their communities by saving native languages, learning traditional stories, and proving that Indigenous people have always been scientists and caretakers of the earth.
