NativeAmerican Summit Builds Support for Clubs in Indian Country
The Seminole Tribe of Florida hosted Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s (BGCA) biannual Native American Summit at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, February 13-15. Nearly 200 Club professionals, board members, and tribal leaders joined together to celebrate the success of Boys & Girls Clubs in Indian Country, pinpoint opportunities for deepening impact, and plan for financial sustainability. As part of BGCA’s ongoing strategy to further develop and strengthen over 200 Clubs that serve more than 141,000 Club members in Indian Country, the theme of the conference was “Celebrate Our Youth and Culture: A Journey from the Past into the Future.”
February 13, 2007
February 14, 2007
February 15, 2007
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February 13, 2007 (back to top)
The Summit began with a Grand Entry of Nations during the Opening Ceremony on Tuesday evening. This marked a first in Boys & Girls Club history, as tribal members dressed in traditional regalia and proudly displayed the flags of their nations. The Opening Ceremony was hosted by Lawrence Baker of the Three Affiliated Tribes and included a Southern Drum. Rainmaker Bobby Henry gave an opening blessing and Mitchell Cypress, Chairman of the Seminole Tribe of Florida welcomed Summit attendees. T. Dana Mitchell, tribal elder of the Penobscot Nation addressed the crowd with a thought-provoking speech on the value of diversity. His speech was followed by a round dance and intertribal dancing.
February 14, 2007 (back to top)
Tuesday morning began with an exciting plenary session. Rick Goings, Chairman of Boys & Girls Clubs of America gave an engaging keynote address on the accomplishments of Native American Clubs and steps to be taken in order to ensure future sustainability. This was followed by a message from Eugenia Tyner-Dawson, Senior Advisor to the Assistant Attorney General for Tribal Affairs and Executive Director, Justice Programs Council on Native American Affairs, U. S. Department of Justice. Ms. Tyner-Dawson spoke about the newly launched Tribal Public Safety and Justice in Indian Country website. Additionally, she spoke about a series of training/technical assistance conferences established for tribal leaders with a focus on justice and safety needs. She encouraged participants to use available resources and technology to communicate the message about the value of Boys & Girls Clubs in Indian Country.
Next, Sam McCracken, Native American Business Manager of Nike, Inc. announced an upcoming product donation to Native American Boys & Girls Clubs. This gift will bring Nike’s cumulative donations to Clubs in Indian Country to over $1 Million. Mr. Leo Nolan, Senior Policy Analyst from the Indian Health Service then spoke about the collaboration between Boys & Girls Clubs in Indian Country, the National Congress of American Indians, and Indian Health Service to deliver the On the T.R.A.I.L. the Diabetes Prevention program to 40 Clubs across the country.
An afternoon luncheon was sponsored by Kauffman and Associates, and featured Lorraine Howerton, Senior Vice President of Government Relations, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and Valerie Red-Horse, Senior Managing Director for Tribal Finance Asset Management, Western International Securities. Ms. Howerton discussed the future of government funding for traditional and Native American Boys & Girls Clubs. Ms. Red-Horse spoke about her work in the film industry and the lessons it has taught her in perseverance and entrepreneurship.
That evening, Max Osceola, Hollywood Tribal Council Representative, Seminole Tribe of Florida hosted a delicious dinner. The accomplishments of Club member were highlighted during the evening, themed, Celebrate Our Culture and Youth. Seminole Boys & Girls Club members showcased their musical talents and entertained the crowd. Chantel Sanchez, a 2005-2006, Boys & Girls Club Regional Youth of the Year winner spoke about the impact the Club has had on her life. This was followed by a teen panel which included Chantel and two members of the local Club. The presentation of the Native American Service to Youth award followed. Carla Fearon, Unit Director of the Penobscot Nation Boys & Girls Club was honored to receive the award. The evening concluded with an address, Working Toward the Inner Circle, by Ron Gurley, Chief Professional Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Green Country, and Chairman of the Native American National Advisory Committee. “Hope and opportunity are available to each child who attends a Boys & Girls Club in Indian Country,” said Gurley. “Tens of thousands of our young people are getting a chance, on an even playing field, to exercise their talents and abilities.”
February 15, 2007 (back to top)
The final day of the Summit was filled with dynamic speakers as well. Dr. Joe Shirley, Jr, President of the Navajo Nation spoke about how all people can work together for the good of Native youth. “Because of you,” he told the audience, “there are a lot of smiles on the faces of children on Native lands and the children across America.” Regional Service Director Jodi Martin, and Ron Gurley then gave a presentation on Child Safety. This was followed by remarks from Regina Littlebeaver who discussed funding opportunities through Tribal TANF.
The Summit came to an exciting conclusion as Roxanne Spillett, President of Boys & Girls Clubs of America presented the Presidents Volunteer Service Award to Roger Nisley, Chief Volunteer Officer of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Afterwards, Spillett spoke about the strength and value of Native American Clubs and challenged Club leaders to build strong organizations, deepen the impact on those we serve, and create safe and positive environments for young people. These achievements, she said, will have a deep and lasting impact on our young people.
Throughout the Summit, Club leaders and NANAC members presented valuable roundtable and talking circle sessions highlighting best practices in Club operations. All attendees left the event with a greater sense of unity among Clubs and fresh ideas for enhancing their service to the youth of their communities.
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