Bureau of Indian Education Introduces First Student Advisory Board to Elevate Native Voices

: November 02, 2026

Bureau of Indian Education Introduces First Student Advisory Board to Elevate Native Voices

The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) has announced the members of its first-ever Student Advisory Board, creating a new opportunity for Native students to participate directly in discussions about the future of education in Indian Country.

Announced on October 5, 2026, the board brings together six student representatives from schools and colleges serving Native communities across the United States.

The initiative is designed to give students a formal role in sharing their experiences, identifying priorities, and offering recommendations to federal education officials.

Meet the First Student Advisory Board

The inaugural board includes six students representing different parts of the Bureau of Indian Education system.

The 2026–2027 members are:

Shya Reynolds, Riverside Indian School in Anadarko, Oklahoma
Adrianna Martinez-Pablo, Navajo Preparatory School in Farmington, New Mexico
Cameron Atwell, Sequoyah High School in Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Caleb Secatero, Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico
J'Den Nichols, Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas
Thurman Lynch, Tohono O'odham Community College in Sells, Arizona

The students were selected through an application process designed to identify emerging leaders who could represent the experiences and perspectives of their fellow students.

Their participation will help connect BIE leadership with the people most directly affected by education policies and programs.

Bringing Student Perspectives Into Policy Discussions

The Student Advisory Board is part of the BIE's broader effort to make student experiences a central consideration in education planning.

Board members will have opportunities to provide input on priorities connected to the agency's strategic direction, including:

Student wellness and academic success
Educational programs and instructional quality
Family and community involvement
Native identity and culturally grounded education
Student leadership and preparation for future careers

Members will serve one-year terms and are expected to meet twice during the year, either virtually or in person.

Their role is advisory, providing recommendations and perspectives to help inform the Bureau's work.

Federal Education Leaders Welcome Student Participation

BIE Director Tony Dearman welcomed the inaugural board and emphasized its importance in establishing a lasting role for student input.

"This year’s outstanding Student Advisory Board marks the beginning of what will become one of BIE’s most valued groups of stakeholders," Dearman said.

He also noted that the inaugural members will help establish how future student advisory boards operate and how student perspectives become part of the agency's decision-making process.

The initiative creates an opportunity for students to gain firsthand experience in leadership, communication, and public policy while contributing to discussions about their schools.

Why This Matters for Native Education

The Bureau of Indian Education supports educational opportunities for American Indian and Alaska Native students through federally operated schools, tribally controlled schools, and postsecondary institutions.

Education decisions can have lasting effects on tribal communities, from academic programs and school resources to language preservation and workforce preparation.

By establishing a formal Student Advisory Board, the BIE is providing another avenue for Native students to participate in conversations about those priorities.

The program also recognizes the value of hearing directly from students who understand the daily experiences of attending BIE-funded institutions.

Investing in the Next Generation of Native Leaders

Leadership opportunities during high school and college can help students develop the skills needed to participate in tribal government, public service, education, and community organizations.

The new Student Advisory Board gives its members experience working with federal officials, discussing policy priorities, and representing the perspectives of their peers.

For Native communities, initiatives that encourage youth participation can help strengthen the connection between education and future civic leadership.

Looking Ahead

The six inaugural members will serve during the 2026–2027 academic year, helping establish a foundation for future Student Advisory Boards.

As the program develops, their experiences and recommendations could help shape how the Bureau of Indian Education engages with students across its school system.

The creation of the board represents a positive step toward greater student participation and a stronger connection between Native youth and federal education leadership.