Pojoaque Boys & Girls Club
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Located in northern New Mexico, the Pueblo of Pojoaque is undergoing
a journey in rebuilding their culture and economic base. A diminished
land base, small pox and war reduced the Pojoaque population
to 20 people at one point in their history, but in the 1930s
a political, economic and cultural resurgence gained momentum
and the Pueblo is revitalized.
The Pojoaque Boys & Girls Club plays an important role
in ensuring 200 children of the community will carry on the
Pueblo's culture and traditions. Support from the tribe and
culture center has proven invaluable as Club members enjoy
a brand new tribally-funded facility, a strong arts and crafts
program and teen center. There is even a waiting list to become
a Club member.
The Club began as a tribal youth center and became a Boys
& Girls Club about six years ago. A large part of this
effort was due to George Rivera, Lieutenant Governor of the
Pueblo of Pojoaque and President of the Pojoaque Boys &
Girls Club. He realized the benefit of bringing a Boys &
Girls Club to the reservation as he is an alumni of the Santa
Fe Boys & Girls Club, located about 15 miles away.
Arts & Crafts is one of the central programs of the Club.
Partnerships with the tribe's Poeh Center, a native cultural
center, and a national non-profit, Creative Communities, bring
classes to youth on local culture and art. This includes not
only Native American art but also Hispanic, as the two cultures
are predominant in the community. Pottery, stone sculpture,
jewelry, drum making, beading, weaving and glasswork are among
the projects taught by local artists. In addition, a "train
the trainer" program by artists in residence teach Club
staff art techniques.
Executive Director, Donald Christy is proud of the tribe's
involvement with the Club. "The tribe is committed to
making sure the youth of the community have a positive place
to grow. They see the Club as a significant part of their
youth program and the success of the Club is based on support
from the tribe."
The relationship works because the tribe's focus of rejuvenation
and education ties into the Club's mission. Partnerships like
this help build what ensure strong, confident, youth of the
future.
Read previous Club Spotlights:
Boys & Girls Club
of Aha Macav Mohave Valley, Arizona
Boys & Girls Club
of South Central Alaska
Boys & Girls Club
of the Three Affliated Tribes Fort Berthold, North Dakota
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