San Juan College announces Rhianna Carel as Ms. Indigenous SJC 2025–2026. A Business Administration student, she will champion Indigenous voices, education, and cultural connection.
Honoring Culture and Tradition
A member of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Carel comes from Ignacio, Colorado. Deeply rooted in her traditions, she participates in powwow dancing, sewing and beading. For her traditional talent, she showcased the Bear Dance, a sacred tradition passed down through generations.
A Platform to Inspire
As Ms. Indigenous, Carel is dedicated to using her platform to encourage youth to pursue higher education, set goals and believe in themselves. She credits her parents for inspiring her to succeed. Her father, a San Juan College alumnus, demonstrated the power of the SJC community, while her mother continually reinforced the importance of education.
“San Juan College has done so much for me and inspired me to continue my education,” she said. “It’s an honor to hold this title, and I want to use it to help, encourage and inspire others.”
The Legacy of Ms. Indigenous San Juan College
The Ms. Indigenous San Juan College Pageant is coordinated by the SJC Native American Center. The annual event celebrates the diversity and resilience of Native American students while uplifting Indigenous voices on campus. Since its creation, the pageant has built a legacy of cultural pride, sisterhood and leadership, uniting women who carry their traditions into the future while serving the SJC community.
Building Connections Through Leadership
Carel’s reign as Ms. Indigenous San Juan College will run through fall 2026, allowing her to represent her peers, promote cultural traditions and inspire students across campus and beyond. Her leadership adds to the growing impact of SJC’s Native American Center, which continues to provide services, events, programming and scholarships designed to support Indigenous students in higher education.
Join Us in Celebrating
San Juan College congratulates Rhianna Carel on her achievement as Ms. Indigenous San Juan College. Her leadership, passion and dedication to culture and education will inspire fellow students and strengthen the SJC community for years to come.
