UNITY Youth Leader and former UNITY 25 Under 25 Leadership Award recipient TaNeel Filesteel elected the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) Student President for 2019-2020. TaNeel is from the Fort Belknap Agency, in Montana and is currently studying Tribal Governance and Administration at Salish Kootenai College in Pablo, Montana.

TaNeel was elected by the 37 Tribal Colleges and Universities during the 36th Student Conference in Billings, Montana. The four day conference highlights the traditional talent , knowledge, and strength of each tribal college and university through competitions. In addition to competition, workshops, keynote speakers, and entertainment are pillars of the gathering.

“I feel incredibly blessed to be elected to serve all 37 Tribal Colleges and Universities as the AIHEC Student Congress President for 2019-2020! I’m excited to be a part of the larger TCU movement in reclaiming our children through education and exercising our inherent right to sovereignty. When it was announced that I was elected as President, it brought me to tears that these schools and students have faith that I can lead them through this movement. My family and experiences have taught me that elected positions are for the people, not for the individual. I will always approach my duty through this lens. I am here to serve and I just want to express my gratitude for this amazing opportunity. Aho!”

We commend and congratulate TaNeel for her dedication and service to Indian Country.