Crownpoint, NM – Navajo Technical University (NTU) proudly recognizes art student Lane Tahe, who won second place in the jewelry category at the 2026 American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) Conference. His exquisite bracelet was also nominated for a Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU) Presidential award in that category.

Lane’s talent and vision are clear on this national stage. Reflecting on his achievement, Lane stated, “This wasn’t my original plan to make this bracelet; it was my second choice because of the deadline to submit. With the short time span, I didn’t feel like I was going to win.”

Lane, who will be entering his second semester as an Environmental Science associate degree major, began learning silversmithing from his parents during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing primarily on making earrings and bracelets. He hails from Mariano Lake, NM, and is Kin Yaa’ áanii, born for Áshįįhí, with his maternal grandparents being Tódich’ii’nii and his paternal grandparents being Tó Baazhni’ázhí.

The AIHEC exhibition showcases diverse artwork, cultural expression, and artistic excellence from Tribal Colleges and Universities across the nation. NTU students are honored to contribute to this inspiring collection.

We celebrate our student artists for sharing their voices, stories, and creativity—their talent represents NTU with pride!

Go Skyhawks!

For more information, please contact:

Sheena L. Begay
Director of Institutional Data & Reporting
P: (505) 387-7461, Mitel Extension: 1103
E: sheena.begay@navajotech.edu