Boys and Girls Clubs in Indian Country

The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and Boys & Girls Club officials held opening ceremonies on June 2, 2003 for a new Boys & Girls Club facility in the Conehatta, Mississippi community. Over 200 individuals were in attendance, which included community members, Tribal and State officials (including Mississippi Attorney General Mike Moore), delegates from the area, and national Boys & Girls Club of America representatives such as Robbie Callaway, Senior Vice President. Conehatta is the 145th Club to be established in Indian Country and the 2nd Choctaw community with a Club.

The 22,000 square foot facility, which was once a manufacturing plant, was donated by Chahta and underwent extensive renovations. The Club features several rooms equipped with computers, a kitchen, two libraries, and rooms for exercise, playing pool, arts and crafts, and music.

Chief Phillip Martin officially opened the facility as he welcomed 75 members of the Kidz-N-Motion group to participate in a grand entry and dance routine. Chief Martin said, "Any organization that's going to help young people, I'm in favor of it!" Chief Martin also announced that the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians hopes to establish a Club in each Choctaw community so that every child would have an opportunity to become a member. Choctaw Boys & Girls Club Executive Director, Steve Rice was recently awarded the 2003 Service to Native American Youth Award by Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Conehatta Unit Director Johnny Williams emphasized the Club's increased membership - since January 2002, enrollment has increased from 45 participants to 1071. On the second day of operation, the Conehatta Club was serving over 100 youth.