Lumbee Drum Group Visits Ancestral Burial Ground The First Nation Drum Group of the Lumbee Boys & Girls Clubs recently completed their summer cultural outreach project. The youth went to Claxton, Georgia and cleaned an ancestral burial ground.  “I am really proud that the drum group chose this project. Actually, I believe after being a part of it, that the project actually chose them, because while we were there cleaning, singing and honoring our ancestors with tobacco, it was such a spiritual moment,” said Tribal Chairman Jimmy Goins. “It really touched my heart.”  Tribal members during the late 1800 and early 1900s went deeper south, following the turpentine trade, until finally settling and creating a community of Lumbee tribal members in the area of Claxton in Georgia.  While the tribal community ended during the 1920s, ancestors remain buried in the traditional way, facing the East and left with a cedar tree for shade. The cedar tree has since been cut down and only seven markers remain. The wooden markers have succumbed to the elements; however, oral tradition teaches that at least 14 others rest there as well.  The drum group cleared the weeds, honored each marked burial with tobacco and honored the site with song. The group, named First Nation, is a character and culture component of the Lumbee Boys & Girls Clubs.  “This trip was historic,” states Tribal Council member Welford Clark. “This is the first time in modern era that the drum has been back and beat in honor of our ancestors that we know of.” See a video highlighting the activities.  Music Festival Benefits Club A Night in the Country Music Festival started as a fundraising idea for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mason Valley, Nevada in 2002. The first year generated about 900 concert goers with the Club not making a profit. The first concert helped build a foundation for years to come. This fundraising effort has now bloomed into a two-day music festival with community events taking place throughout the day and concerts in the evening. This year, performers included Bucky Covington, Sawyer Brown, Josh Gracin, and Jason Aldean. Attendance is estimated at over 7,000 for the two nights combined. All proceeds of the concert, other than concessions, benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mason Valley who are dedicated to ensuring that the community’s disadvantaged youngsters have greater access to quality programs and services that will enhance their lives and shape their futures. The Club organization serves the Walker River Paiute Tribe as well as other communities in the area. Read more. Club Celebrates Culture Project Culmination The Boys & Girls Clubs of Tahlequah-Briggs Unit in Oklahoma held a culminating event for a two-year project in which Club students worked on the Service Learning project “Understanding Community Using Culture” and to celebrate the involvement of the Briggs Unit in the community. Throughout the project, students learned about heritage, culture, tradition, and belief as it relates to the Cherokee Indians. With this understanding, each student was able to explore their own background. They gathered information through interviews with family and community members and began completing a family tree. After completing the research, each student represented their heritage on a quilt square. As students made the quilt squares, similarities and differences in cultures were discussed. The students learned about respecting culture, working to make the community stronger, and celebrating the history and knowledge that community elders have to share. The quilt squares were made into blankets that could be shared with the community. The celebration event included Club members, community members, family, and staff. A traditional Cherokee dinner was served and students described their quilt square during a presentation that was interactively displayed using a Smart Board. Pictures of the blankets were linked to PowerPoint pages, made by the students, which described the information they learned through the project. To honor some of the elders in the community, the students presented them with the blankets that were made during the project. Club members display three of the eleven blankets made during the project. Tribal Elders gratefully receive the blankets. KLUB Comes to the Club Broadcasting live, it’s the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale! As the first Boys & Girls Club to have its own KidStar radio station, the Lehi Branch is a trendsetter in creating unique opportunities to engage its members. Read on. Let’s Play! Through a partnership between the Tulalip Tribe, Tulalip Boys & Girls Club, Home Depot, and KaBoom!, the Tulalip community has a new playground for youth to enjoy. Over 200 community members participated in the building of the playground. Find out more! Club Member’s Drawing to be Featured on Calendar A special congratulation goes to Kenny J. H. D. from the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Seminole Tribe of Florida who was a finalist in the marine art contest sponsored by the International Marine Environment Protection Association (INTERMEPA). Youth between the ages of 5 and 13 were invited to participate in the art contest. The theme of the contest was "Let's Change Habits, Not the Climate" with a focus on the marine environment. Over 70 submissions were received. Kenny’s artwork will be featured in the 2010 North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) calendar! T.R.A.I.L. Blazers The T.R.A.I.L. Diabetes Prevention Program was highlighted in the Spring 2009 issue of SAY Magazine. SAY is a youth lifestyle magazine aimed at a Native/Aboriginal audience. The article highlights the Boys & Girls Club of the Lewis Clark Valley – Lapwai Unit in Idaho and the Chickasaw Nation Boys & Girls Club in Oklahoma. Read the article. Club Members Participate in NBA Jam Session During the NBA extravaganza in Phoenix the Red Mountain and Lehi Branch club members got to participate in a NBA Jam Session. A big thank you goes out to Casino Arizona for securing several slots for the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community club members. Some of the members were also able to get their basketballs signed by a Former Phoenix Suns player – Tom Chambers. All participants had an enjoyable time! BGC of the Pomo Nation Receives Charitable Donation In April 2009, the Boys & Girls Club of the Pomo Nation received a donation from the Westridge School in Pasedena, CA for their SMART Girls program. The 4th graders at Westridge had recently learned about the Pomo Tribe and wanted to give back. They made recycled lockets that were sold at the school’s annual Earth Day Fair. All proceeds were donated to the SMART Girls program at the Boys & Girls Club of the Pomo Nation in California. Read more. Alaska Youth of the Year Megan is a senior in high school, from Metlakatla, Alaska. Megan has been a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southcentral Alaska for ten years. She participates in many programs and worked for the Club as a summer Youth Camp Counselor in 2007. Megan has maintained a 4.0 grade point average and she is very active in student government. Her classmates elected her Junior Class President last year, and this year she is Student Council Secretary. She is also an accomplished athlete. She was chosen as the captain of the Miss Chiefs varsity basketball team for the last four years and was volleyball captain two of her four years of participation. In addition, she ran for the last two years as a cross-country team member. Megan is always working with her future goals in mind. She plans to attend the University of Alaska-Anchorage, to become a physical therapist. Megan will represent Alaska at the Pacific Regional Youth of the Year Competition in California. Maine Youth of the Year Morgan is a member of the Penobscot Nation Boys & Girls Club and resident of Indian Island, Maine. He was recently named the 2009 Boys & Girls Club Maine Youth of the Year. Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. As the Maine Youth of the Year, Morgan will represent Maine at the Northeast Region Youth of the Year competition in New York. “It would be great to continue in the competition, it’s a ‘once in a life time’ opportunity,” said Morgan. Morgan will graduate from high school in June and continue his academic career at Eastern Maine Community College where he will enroll in the Liberal Arts Program for two years. He plans to transfer to the University of Maine at Orono where he will pursue a degree in Political Science with the goal of becoming a lawyer. Congratulations to Megan and Morgan! Good luck!! Music Festival Benefits Club A Night in the Country Music Festival started as a fundraising idea for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mason Valley, Nevada in 2002. The first year generated about 900 concert goers with the Club not making a profit. The first concert helped build a foundation for years to come. This fundraising effort has now bloomed into a two-day music festival with community events taking place throughout the day and concerts in the evening. This year, performers included Bucky Covington, Sawyer Brown, Josh Gracin, and Jason Aldean. Attendance is estimated at over 7,000 for the two nights combined. All proceeds of the concert, other than concessions, benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mason Valley who are dedicated to ensuring that the community’s disadvantaged youngsters have greater access to quality programs and services that will enhance their lives and shape their futures. The Club organization serves the Walker River Paiute Tribe as well as other communities in the area. Read more. Boys & Girls Club Youth Meets President and Mrs. Obama at National Mentoring Month Event A mentor and mentee from the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Three Affiliated Tribes participated in a White House ceremony on Wednesday marking January as National Mentoring Month. President Barack Obama and the First Lady joined the event in an effort to increase public awareness of the benefits of mentoring. After concluding their remarks, the mentor and mentee were able to shake hands with the President and First Lady. Find out more. Scholarship Opportunity for Native Youth Reconnecting the Circle, a non-profit organization that seeks to encourage people to learn about Native American people and cultures and to develop a meaningful and complete perspective of Indian Country, has announced its 3rd National High School Essay Contest. A $2,5000 scholarship will be awarded to 10 high school students who participate in the contest. Click here or visit www.reconnectingthecircle.com to learn more about the contest and the organization. NCAI/BGCA Collaborate to Develop Survey for Native American Youth This fall, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America is collaborating with the National Congress of American Indians in a joint initiative to collect information and opinions from American Indian and Alaska Native youth (ages 12-21) through the use of a national survey. The survey focuses on how Native youth currently view themselves and their future; their involvement with their communities; the level of support received from friends, family, teachers, and the community; and top challenges they see tribal leaders and their community facing. Click here to learn more. Club Members on the Right Track The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale – Lehi and Red Mountain Branches in Arizona have had a lot to celebrate as two Club members recently won special awards. Nichelle won a $2,000 National Money Matters Scholarship Award! Money Matters was created with the Charles Schwab Foundation as a financial literacy program designed specifically to help teens (ages 13 to18) expand their knowledge of money management and learn the skills that lead to financial independence and well-being. This fall she will attend Chandler-Gilbert Community College majoring in sports medicine. Ciera has been selected as the state of Arizona’s MLB S.T.A.R. Award winner!  The Major League Baseball S.T.A.R. Award program is designed to recognize Boys & Girls Clubs members for their participation and achievement in sports, fitness and social recreation programming. Now, her essay will now compete at the regional level.  Congratulations Nichelle and Ciera!  Congratulations to Boys & Girls Club Graduates! The Boys & Girls Club of Tahlequah would like to recognize and congratulate all their members who are graduating from Tahlequah High School. Six of those members are youth leaders at various Club units and are pictured here. BGC and AmeriCorps Help Mountain Bluebirds Four Club members at the Boys & Girls Club of the Flathead Reservation & Lake County in Montana worked with AmeriCorps volunteers to donate their time and energy to a local Mountain Bluebird population restoration project.  They helped sort and stack the pallets of cedar boards used to build the birdhouses.  The project prepared the assorted boards for the next step in bluebird house production.  The boards used for the houses will eventually be taken to an assembly area in Ronan where they will be cut to size and fitted together into Mountain Bluebird houses.  Idaho Youth has a Bright Future Ahead A Club member from the Boys & Girls Club of the Lewis Clark Valley – Lapwai Unit has been the center of attention recently. In addition to claiming the title of Youth of the Year for the state of Idaho, she was also named a Gates Millennium Scholar. Learn more. Wiyot Tribe Opens 2nd Native Club in California In March 2008, the Wiyot tribe celebrated the opening of the second Native American Boys & Girls Club in California. Read more. Oceanographer Visits Arizona Club Club members from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community recently attended an imagination inspiring Immersion Presents event at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale. The Club was able to communicate via telepresence with scientists from the University of Rhode Island. They also enjoyed a visit from Dr. Robert Ballard, the discoverer of the Titanic and PT-109. Click here to read more. USDA Under Secretary Visits Kids Cafe in Boys & Girls Club U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary Nancy Montanez Johner traveled from Washington D.C. to Mesa, Arizona to tour two Kids Café sites operated by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale. In addition to touring the Lehi and Red Mountain clubhouses located on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, the Under Secretary met with the children to share information on nutrition education while they enjoyed their healthy snack and evening meal. Click here to learn more. A Night of NASCAR In Fall 2007, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale- Lehi Branch hosted over 150 people for a night of NASCAR fun!    The Club’s Continuum Team and the Lehi Branch staff worked together to bring an array of NASCAR related activities to the Club. Three NASCAR teams brought their cars and interacted with Club members and their families.  Club members were able to sit in the cars and have pictures taken at the Gatorade Victory Lane booth.  Miss Arizona, Nicole Turner, also added some sparkle to the event.  She emphasized the need to "drive with care," at her booth; her platform for the year.  Club members also participated in remote control car races, tricycle races, wagon races, and a hotwheels racetrack competition.  The evening ended with door prizes that included remote control cars, NASCAR jackets, hotwheels, and other NASCAR related items.  The Lehi Branch thanks Blessing McAnlis and Chris Henningson, both from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale’s Continuum Team, for creating a special night at the Club.   Halloween Happenings Dracula and Top Model pose for the camera! The Boys & Girls Club of Duluth- Lake Vermilion Unit in Minnesota held a Halloween Party on October 26, 2007.  The Club served over 150 kids during the celebration.  Staff members facilitated a wide variety of activities for the youth including: bean bag toss, duck pond, milk bottle throw, tattoo parlor, coloring contest, football throw, a donut eating contest, and a costume contest.    At each station the youth would earn stickers that they could later exchange for a prize.  The DJ began playing music and the dancing fun extended until after 10:00 pm.    The youth continue to talk about the great time they had at the party and they can't wait to do it again. A Club staff member joins the fun! Halloween at The Boys & Girls Clubs of Scottsdale-Lehi Branch in Arizona was celebrated a day early with various carnival-themed activities and treats.  Club staff members were in charge of overseeing various activity stations.  Activities available included: mummy wrap, pin the tail on the black cat, pumpkin bean bag toss contest, apple pass contest, and balloon sweep.  Two of the biggest highlights of the entire evening were the Sugar Cookie Decorating Contest and the Haunted House that was built by the Keystone Club and other teen members under the guidance of the Teen Staff.  The night capped off with a door prize give-a-way.  All members left with black cat treats and pretzels topped with marshmallows.    Wolf & Owl Remember Wolf & Owl Remember is a charming and delightful story of a Native American child's journey of discovery and wonder through the natural world. The story will entertain both children and adults, while reminding readers of our responsibility to future generations. Author Antoinette “Toni” Sarcinella of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale collaborated with illustrator Joseph Wolves Kill to produce this lovely storybook. A portion of proceeds from the sale of the book will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs Native American Endowment. The book retails for $12.00, but reduced pricing is available when ordered direct: 1-10 copies $10 each 11 or more $9 each Please forward purchase requests to wolfandowl748@aol.com.   Nike Steps Out Sam McCracken, manager of Nike's Native American business program, shows the new Nike Air Native N7 shoe at Nike headquarters in Beaverton, Ore., Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2007. Nike unveiled the new shoe Tuesday, the first-of-a-kind performance shoe designed to address the specific fit and width requirements for the Native American foot. (Don Ryan/AP Photo) In September, Nike announced they had made the first shoe designed for American Indians. Nike hopes the shoe will help encourage physical fitness in Native people. The Air Native N7 fits the shape of an American Indian foot. It will be available only to American Indians, tribal wellness programs, and tribal schools nationwide. All profits from the sale of the shoe will be given back to health programs for tribal lands. “Nike is aware of the growing health issues facing Native Americans,” said Sam McCracken, Manager of Nike's Native American Business. “We are stepping up our commitment...to elevate the issue of Native American health and wellness.” The shoe is designed with a sunrise to sunset to sunrise pattern on the tongue and heel, feather designs inside, and stars on the sole of the shoe. Nike has been involved with tribal communities for many years, supporting tribal athletic teams and events. The company also donates shoes, clothing, and equipment to Boys & Girls Clubs in Indian Country. Read more about the Nike Air Native N7.     Dr. Charles Grim Recognized at Congressional Breakfast On September 19, 2007 during Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Congressional Breakfast, Rick Goings, Board President and CEO of Tupperware, recognized a long-time friend to Boys & Girls Clubs in Indian Country, Dr. Charles Grim. Dr. Grim has served as the Assistant Surgeon General and Director of Indian Health Service since 2003. He is a native of Oklahoma, and a member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma.  In 2003, the Indian Health Service joined partners, National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), FirstPic, Inc., Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), and Nike, Inc., to initiate a prevention program aimed at reducing the onset of diabetes among Native American youth. The program – On the T.R.A.I.L.to Diabetes Prevention – is an innovative combination of physical, educational and nutritional activities. Through IHS and Dr. Grim’s support, 45 Clubs have implemented the program, serving over 3,000 youth. More than $4.3 Million has been provided to make this endeavor possible. Dr. Grim will soon retire from his job with Indian Health Service and will be returning to Oklahoma. BGCA did not want to miss the opportunity to recognize him for all of his valuable achievements. Dr. Grim was presented with a plaque in honor of the efforts he has made on behalf of Indian Country youth. Dr. Grim accepted the plaque and thanked Boys & Girls Clubs of America and FirstPic, Inc. for all they do for Indian youth. He stated that it has been an honor to work on such an important and necessary program. Thank you Dr. Grim for everything you have done! NABI Night with the Phoenix Mercury On Sunday, August 26, youth from the Boys & Girls Clubs of East Valley—Sacaton & Komatke Branches (Gila River) and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale Lehi & Red Mountain Branches (Salt River) attended NABI Night with the Mercury. NABI generously sponsored tickets which were distributed to Club members and their families for the WNBA semi-finals between the Phoenix Mercury and Seattle Storm. Thank you NABI!   Club Member in Finals of National Photography Contest Club member, Rainboe of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Scottsdale – Lehi Branch was selected as a national winner of the ImageMakers photography contest. The contest, a culmination of the ImageMakers photography program, enables youth to develop their creativity and cultural awareness through visual arts. Photos are submitted for five categories including color process, black and white process, alternative process, digital and photo essay. The top photographs in each of four age groups and five categories are selected as national winners. Approximately 900 local Clubs participate annually. Rainboe’s photo, “Peaceful Times” was also featured on the Circuit City website as a finalist for the company’s Take a Shot photography contest. New Kids Cafe Opens in Minnesota The Boys & Girls Club of Leech Lake Area just celebrated the Grand Opening of the first ConAgra Foods Feeding Children Better Kids Cafe in north central Minnesota. The Kids Cafe will be located in the Cass Lake Unit of the Club providing meals and snacks to children five days a week and the Deer River and Walker Units offering healthy snacks daily to youth.  “We are grateful to have the added support form ConAgra and Second Harvest in providing additional healthy options for our area’s young people, giving kids the opportunity to say yes to something is essential to positive youth development,” said Tuleah Palmer, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of the LLA, “Our Kids Cafe has added invaluable quality to our programs; we’ve increased our daily teen involvement, we are educating children about nutrition and reinforcing positive decision making around healthy lifestyles and our Kids Cafe has increased family  and community involvement. Food brings us together, no matter our backgrounds.” The Club’s new Kids Cafe, coupled with the T.R.A.I.L. program has created want for healthy lifestyles at the BGC of the Leech Lake Area. Salute to a Master and Mentor Each year, the Academy of Boys & Girls Club Professionals recognizes a select few Club leaders as Masters & Mentors during the Boys & Girls Clubs of America National Conference. Ron Gurley, Chief Professional Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Green Country and Chairman of the Native American National Advisory Committee was selected as one of the recipients of this year’s awards. The Academy bestows recognition to BGC staff for continued professional growth and development that demonstrates the highest levels of competence and performance within their jobs. Candidates are nominated by the National Training and Professional Development Advisory Committee based upon one or more of the following: Contribution to the Movement over a sustained period Ron Gurley pictured with his wife, Maggie, and staff members Successful mentoring of Academy members Demonstrated excellence in the BGC profession During his acceptance speech, Mr. Gurley quoted Black Elk, ”Grown men can learn from little children, for the hearts of children are pure.” Another leader of Native Clubs, Ramon Elias, Chief Professional Officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of the East Valley was also inducted in the 2007 Class. Ramon oversees 10 traditional units and 2 Native American units which serve the Gila River Pima & Maricopa Community. President’s Volunteer Service Award Presented at Native American Summit Congratulations to Roger Nisley, who was presented with the President's Volunteer Service Award at the 2007 Native American Summit. Roxanne Spillett, President of Boys & Girls Clubs of America presented the award to Roger on Thursday, February 15. Roger serves as a member of the Native American National Advisory Committee and is Chief Volunteer Officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Thank you Roger for all of the work you do for Boys & Girls Clubs in Indian Country. Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) is proud to partner with the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation in bestowing the President’s Volunteer Service Award to deserving Club volunteers. This program was created to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service. Access the President's Volunteer Service Award Website to become a certifying organization, track volunteer progress, order awards and more. Taking part in the President's Volunteer Service Awards program is a great way to acknowledge the service contributions of Club youth, program volunteers and board members. Motivate volunteers or inspire others to commit themselves to a lifelong habit of service. Click here to view the President’s Volunteer Service Award Website. Roger Nisley receives award from Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s President, Roxanne Spillett Carla Fearon Awarded BGCA's Native American Service to Youth Award On February 14, 2007, Ron Gurley, Chairman of the Native American National Advisory Committee and Chief Professional Officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Green Country, honored Carla Fearon, Unit Director for the Penobscot Nation Boys & Girls Club, Maine with the Native American Service to Youth award. Carla is a Club professional who symbolizes what makes Clubs effective. She understands the importance of the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of America and its significance to the children she serves, the local Boys & Girls Club, and her community. She provides positive leadership and motivation to other staff members whom she guides and has worked alongside since 2002. Ms. Fearon has been instrumental in securing funding and implementing Boys & Girls Club programming for the benefit of the Penobscot Nation youth. Carla was also instrumental in creating a technology room, giving Club members the opportunity to prepare for their future and to expand their creativity through technology. Congratulations Carla! Carla, her father, T. Dana Mitchell, and Ron Gurley celebrate her award NANAC Announces Three New Members At the NANAC general meeting on February 14, the committee inducted three new members. These individuals include Ernie Stevens, Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association; Valerie Red-Horse, Senior Managing Director for Tribal Finance Asset Management, Western International Securities; and Carla Fearon, Unit Director, Penobscot Nation Boys & Girls Club. Each of these newly inducted members will employ individual strengths to further the mission of NANAC, providing support and direction for Boys & Girls Clubs in Indian Country. Training Provides Insight on Starting a Boys & Girls Club in Alaskan Native Villages A training program for individuals interested in starting a Boys & Girls Club in Indian Country was held in Bethel, AK September, 18-20 2006. Participants from all over Alaska attended the two-day workshop. Sessions and activities were developed to provide attendees with the basic tools and knowledge to open and operate a Boys & Girls Club in their community.  The first day of the training included a summary of the scope and history of the Department of Housing and Urban Development: Office of Native American Program’s Boys & Girls Club Initiative, a step-by-step overview of starting a Boys & Girls Club in Indian Country, and a discussion regarding support available through HUD: ONAP. The day continued with dialogue outlining Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) Regional Service Director and the National Native American Advisory Committee (NANAC) roles, BGCA resources and funding opportunities, statewide initiatives and federal funding updates, and BGCA program planning and core program areas. The second training day began with a discussion regarding targeted initiatives in Indian Country; including the T.R.A.I.L. diabetes prevention program and National Native American Mentoring Program. Participants enjoyed a catered lunch and participated in an open forum on the use of Methamphetamines in Alaskan Native Villages. The open forum provided insight into how Methamphetamine has affected the villages. It also gave training participants the ability to learn first-hand how BGCA programming can help with prevention activities.  The training provided attendees with the opportunity to network with other individuals who are interested in starting a Boys & Girls Club, or who have recently opened a Club. Additionally, participants gained first-hand knowledge of the realities of running a Club through experienced local Boys & Girls Club professionals and national staff members.  Native American Day Celebration On September 23rd 2006, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Clarkdale Verde in Arizona hosted a community-wide celebration on the Clarkdale Reservation. The event was sponsored by the Yavapai Apache Nation’s Recreation Department, Alcohol and Substance Abuse Department, Bethany Baptist Church, and the Clarkdale-Verde Club. The day was a huge success with a turn-out of over 250 people living within the community.  Youth enjoyed playing in several inflatable jumpers and an inflatable boxing ring. Club staff and volunteers from the Clarkdale Community provided a meal for participants of the event.  In the evening, community members enjoyed music provided by the Bethany Baptist Church as well as a special appearance by Native American Rapper, AZ Chief and the Apache Crown Dancers.   Club Participates in Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Event Members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Three Affiliated Tribes in North Dakota shared their heritage and culture with visitors from across the nation this August during the Tribe’s Lewis & Clark Expedition “Signature Event.”  The Tribe was selected by the National Council of the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial as one of only 15 sites to host a Signature Event.  Each event focused on a unique theme; the Three Affiliated Tribes chose the theme, “Reunion at the Home of Sakakawea.”  The American Indian woman guided the explorers from present-day North Dakota to the Pacific Northwest. The four-day event featured scholarly symposia, reenactments and dramatic presentations, an art exhibition and trade fair, indigenous game, land and water parades, singing and traditional dance competitions, and a fur trade rendezvous.  Boys & Girls Clubs of the Three Affiliated Tribes assisted in the event.  Club members hosted traditional games and activities such as hand signing and arrow throwing. A Family Tradition Renee Wiggins, Chief Volunteer Officer of Boys & Girls Club of Wilson/Ardmore pictured with Amanda and Tammy McArthur at the Governor’s Mansion. They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and this is the case for the McArthur family in Wilson, Oklahoma. Both mother and daughter were chosen for Boys & Girls Club leadership awards. Tammy McArthur, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Wilson/Ardmore, Oklahoma was awarded the Oklahoma Professional of the Year Award by BGCA’s Professional Association, Oklahoma Chapter. Tammy has been the Chief Executive Officer of the Club since November 1998. She was chosen based on her accomplishments, involvement in committees and organizations, and impact on Club professionals on the local, regional, and national level. Tammy oversees two Club units and is in the process of planning a new Teen Center. She has held leadership roles in the Oklahoma Area Council and Oklahoma Professional Association and has been a Keystone Advisor. In 2004, she attended the Advanced Leadership Certificate Program at Clemson University. Her daughter Amanda was awarded third place in the state’s Youth of the Year competition. The Youth of the Year program recognizes outstanding young people who have contributed to their family, school, community, and Club. Misty Sanders, Teen Program Director says “Amanda sets a great example for our younger teens and is more responsible and committed than most adults that I know.” Amanda will graduate from high school this spring and plans to attend Oklahoma State University in the fall. Congratulations to both of you!   Be a Part of the North American Indigenous Games This July, Indigenous people from all over North America will gather to compete and celebrate their heritage at the 2006 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG). Sponsored by the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute tribes of Colorado, the competitive Olympic-style games will take place in Denver, Colorado July 2-9, 2006. Native American youth ages 13-19 are eligible to participate in one of 16 sports: • Rifle Shooting • Badminton • Archery • Baseball • Basketball • Volleyball • Tae Kwan Do • Golf • Boxing • Softball • Canoeing • Athletics (Track & Field) • Swimming • Wrestling • Soccer • Field Lacrosse In addition to athletic events, a Cultural Village will be open throughout the Games. Cultural Events will include Opening and Closing Ceremonies, traditional game demonstrations, a Parade of Athletes, dancing, comedic and singing performances, and a mini Film Festival. A Pow Wow, Golf Tournament, and Indian Rodeo will also take place during the games. 10,000 Native Athletes and 60,000 spectators and volunteers are expected to attend this summer’s event. For more information about the Games, visit www.naig2006.com. National Boys & Girls Club Week is the ideal time to turn the spotlight on "The Positive Place for Kids" in your community. BGCA has a variety of tools and resources available to help you plan and publicize your local celebration. For ideas look at BGCA’s publication 100 Ways to Celebrate! or visit BGCA.net for event ideas, sample press releases and letters to the editor, as well as posters and the official logo.     Shakopee Tribe Contributes $1 Million to Red Lake Nation Boys & Girls Club On March 15, 2006, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community of Minnesota donated $1 million to the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians. The money will be used for construction of a new Boys & Girls Club.  To date, the Club has obtained $2 million towards their goal of  $5 million. The Shakopee Community also issued a letter of support to challenge other Tribes to contribute to this goal. Read More.     The Boys & Girls Clubs of Tahlequah-Briggs Unit Winter Olympics The Boys & Girls Clubs of Tahlequah, OK – Briggs Unit spent the month of February celebrating the Winter Olympics. Club members learned about the culture and traditions of the following countries: USA, Japan, China, Kenya, Germany, and Italy. After researching the countries, the games began!  For the Opening Ceremony Parade, the gym was decorated with flags and banners from each country and participants had the chance to carry the torch. The countries competed in the following events:   Bobsled: a relay race with two members of each team competing on scooters Curling: each team member has two turns to push a puck closest to the target Hockey: 4 on 4 hockey game Luge: a relay race where participants maneuver scooters through an obstacle course As part of the Closing Ceremonies, each person was presented with a medal for a job well done. What a great way to cure the winter blues! Pueblo of Pojoaque BGC to host Regional Fine Arts Exhibit Congratulation to the Pueblo of Pojoaque Boys & Girls Club, New Mexico!  The Club was selected to host BGCA’s 2006 Southwest Regional Fine Arts Judging and Exhibit. The Club is seeking art work from Club members from the southwest region.  All art work received will be exhibited and judged at the Poeh Center in Pojoaque. On February 24th, there will be an exhibit of all the artwork and regional winners will be selected for each category and age class. Refreshments will be served and entertainment will include local Native American dancers and a mariachi band. The 37 selected pieces of art will be included in BGCA’s National Fine Arts Exhibit competition. If your Club members would like to submit artwork, contact: Evelyn Martinez 101 A Lightning Loop Sante Fe, New Mexico 87506 P: 505-455-3659 F: 505-455-5021 E-mail: ppbgc1@aol.com If you are interested in attending the exhibit on February 24th, 2006 please contact Donald Christy at 505-455-3659.   GOT TALENT? BGCA is looking for talented Club Members to perform at the 100th Annual National Conference in Boston, May 3-6 2006. All types of entertainment are welcome to apply.   The search is open to all Club members ages 6-18. Send a standard VHS or DVD of a performance to: National Conference Talent Search Boys & Girls Clubs of America 1230 West Peachtree Street NW Atlanta, GA 30309 The video tape or DVD must be clearly labeled with the Club name, contact person, address and phone number; as well as the age and names of the performers and the number of acts on the tape. You may include more than one act on a tape. To qualify, all audition tapes must be received by February 15th, 2006. If you are chosen, Boys & Girls Clubs of America will pay for travel, lodging and meals for up to six Club members and one adult advisor. Winners will be posted on www.bgca.net and notified by March 8th, 2006. If you have questions, please contact Jim Caufield at 404-487-5706 Congratulations to the Boys & Girls Club of the Red Lake Nation!  The Club received a $500,000 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant toward the construction of a new Club building.  HUD’s Indian Community Development Block Grant provides eligible American Indian and Alaska Native communities with money to develop housing, a suitable living environment and economic opportunities for low and moderate income persons.   Dawn Huseby, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club, said the Club currently serves 650 members in Red Lake and Ponemah.  About 200 children attend daily in the current facilities of the middle and elementary schools.  The Club has had limited access to school facilities since the tragic high school shooting that left eight dead in March 2005. The grant will provide for modular buildings in Red Lake and Ponemah that can be installed quickly and allow the Club units to run regular programs. Long term, the Boys & Girls Club and the Tribe continue to work together to raise funds for a permanent 20,000 sq. ft. structure to serve as a Boys & Girls Club facility in Red Lake.  The Club recently launched a new web site www.giiwedinnation.com; “Giiwedin” means “from the north” in the Ojibwe language.  This new web site will allow others to learn more about the Club and track their fundraising progress. Club Leader Chosen for BGCA Award Shirley Swenson, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of the Turtle Mountains, North Dakota was awarded the Vision & Spirit Award at the Midwest Regional Leadership Conference.  The conference was held October 6-8, 2005 in Louisville, KY.  Nominations were requested in advance from the Midwest Regional Service Center.  The awardee was chosen based on how she has overcome challenges, shown vision and enthusiasm in developing the organization, and demonstrated commitment to children.  Shirley has been the Director of the Turtle Mountain Clubs since they opened in 2000.  She oversees five Club units and is in the process of opening two new sites.  Congratulations Shirley! Taco Bell Grantees Announced Congratulations to the following Native Clubs who received Fall 2005 Taco Bell Teen Program Enhancement Grants.  $5,000 will be awarded to each grant recipient to expand or begin a teen program at their Club. Boys & Girls Clubs of Green Country-Pryor, OK Pojoaque Pueblo Boys & Girls Club-Pojoaque Pueblo, NM Boys & Girls Club of Wilson-Wilson, OK Waterville Area Boys & Girls Club-Waterville, ME Two Native Clubs Receive BGCA MAC Awards Francis Jock of the Akwesasne Boys & Girls Clubs receives the silver MAC Award from Mark Shamley of Tupperware. Two Native Clubs received Marketing & Communications (MAC) awards at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s national conference.  The awards are presented each year to Clubs that create a successful media outreach plan and demonstrate solid media placements.  The MAC awards program is sponsored by Tupperware. “The outcome of this plan shows all Clubs – no matter what their size – can make people stand up and take notice,” said Kurt Aschermann, chief marketing officer, BGCA.  “Efforts such as these are making Boys & Girls Clubs a household name.”  Seven outside professionals with leadership positions in the areas of package-good marketing, agency promotions, and non-profit marketing served as MAC Award judges.  The Akwesasne Boys & Girls Club in New York won a silver award in the Publicity/Media Relations category.  Their submission was a promotional video geared towards youth, the community, stakeholders, and prospective donors.  The 7-minute video reflects the core beliefs of the Movement and the Club, inspires pride in Club members, and encourages support of the Club from the community. The Club has observed advancement of their organization after the production of the video.  Membership has increased by over 200 youth and the annual operating budget is projected to increase by $250,000 in one year. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Tahlequah in Oklahoma won a bronze MAC award, also in the category of Publicity/Media Relations.  Executive Director, Janice Randall acknowledges that community partners contributed to their receipt of the award.  To increase publicity for the Club, the local radio station regularly airs public service announcements.  Because the Club is a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Club logo is placed beside the address label of the Chamber’s monthly newsletter.  Additionally, a strong relationship has been formed with the local newspaper, which publishes any article that is sent to the editor within three days.  Finally, the Club maintains a website that is updated on a regular basis.  Next year, the Club plans to send articles to the tribal newspapers, which they hope will catch the attention of more Councilmen.  Congratulations to both Clubs for your outstanding work! New Boys & Girls Club Building Opens in Nevada The Boys & Girls Club of the Mason Valley opened a unit in Schurz, Nevada in November 2004.  Now, the Walker River Paiute Tribe is proud to open a brand new building for the Club.  The Grand Opening will be held on June 30th at 11:00 am.  The ceremony will include a blessing, presentation of certificates of thanks, and refreshments to follow.  The Club has made great strides since it opened last November.  It has more than 100 registered members and served over 150 children in 2004.  The Club was also chosen to be a part of the pilot project for adapting the Money Matters financial education program for Native Clubs.  Check back here for pictures from the Grand Opening. Lucky Arizona Clubs! On the final night of the BGCA National Conference in San Diego, it was announced that the Boys & Girls Club of Aha Macav in Mohave Valley, Arizona, won the drawing for the 16-passenger mini-bus donated by the Thomas Built Bus Company. Of course they are very excited as transportation is always a challenge! Then the announcement came for the second bus –Arizona came through again! Boys & Girls Clubs of East Valley (Gila River and Sacaton BGC) won the bus that promotes The Club, BGCA’s new marketing campaign that attracts teens to BGCs. Congratulations to both Clubs! BGCA Board of Governors Steps Up!! Two BGCA Board of Governors have just made a significant personal contribution to the Native American Sustainability Fund. Wayne Allen and Rick Goings each contributed $500,000 to the Fund! These personal gifts, totaling $1 million, helped the Fund nearly reach the $10 million mark. BGCA is committed to building the Fund to $100 million which will be used to help support the operations of local Native American Clubs in the future. On behalf of Native American youth across the nation – THANK YOU!  Wayne and Rick for your generosity! Historic Moment in the BGCA Movement! On April 30, 2005 at the BGCA National Conference in San Diego, the first Native American was elected to serve on the BGCA Board of Governors. Dave Anderson, Former Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Founder of Famous Dave’s Restaurant chain, is keenly interested in working with Native American youth. Dave was asked to speak at BGCA’s Board of Governors meeting at the National Conference after providing such an inspirational message to an audience of Tribal and Club leaders at BGCA’s 2005 Native American Summit in Phoenix. BGCA knew this was someone who could provide strong leadership within the Movement in Indian Country. Moved by the recent tragic event on the Red Lake Nation, Dave, along with members of the BGCA Government Relations Team, traveled to Red Lake to provide support to the community. BGCA looks forward to benefiting from Dave’s knowledge and understanding of the needs of Native American youth and their communities. Welcome Aboard Dave! Program Offers Free Meals to Hundreds of Youth! Three Native American Boys & Girls Clubs (BGC) have been awarded the beneficial Kids Café grant, provided by America’s Second Harvest –The Nations Food Bank Network. The three Clubs are BGC of the Northern Cheyenne Nation, MT; BGC of the Lewis Clark Valley, ID; and BGC of the Glacial Lakes, SD. The Kids Café grants are awarded to local food banks in partnership with the local Boys & Girls Club to help them establish a site where children receive a free, hot meal. The Club sites are usually provided funds to remodel an existing kitchen and serve one to three meals a day. The BGC of the Northern Cheyenne Nation held their Kids Café Grand Opening on September 13, 2005. Since then the Club has started serving supper and plans to serve breakfast and lunch during the summer months. The Club serves about 120 kids at two sites daily. The Kids Café opens its doors to all kids not just Club members. The site also allows parents who accompany their children to eat there as well. With the Kids Café grant, the Club was able to remodel their kitchen and because they also received a USDA Rural Development grant, they will build a 30’ x 30’ extension onto the Club. The Club’s Executive Director, Rick Robinson, said that everyone is excited about the grant and that it is bringing community food issues, such as nutrition and hunger, to the forefront. The BGC of the Lewis and Clark Valley received their Kids Café grant in October, 2005 and is currently planning a grand opening. They are also very excited about the grant and the possibilities the opportunity presents. The Club will be serving breakfast and supper daily. They will also begin a remodeling project to add a kitchen to their facility. In South Dakota, BGC of the Glacial Lakes began serving supper immediately upon award of this grant. The Club had the advantage of already having a working kitchen in place!  Suppers are well attended by children from the community and many of them are staying for tutoring and other programs after supper. The Club is planning to serve three meals during the summer months. The next Kids Café grant application process will begin in January 2006. The application will be posted on www.secondharvest.org and is due in February, 2006. The grant is not awarded to the Club directly; it is awarded to the local food bank. If your Club is interested, begin developing a partnership with your local food bank now. Reach out to the food bank and tell them about your Club, the kids you serve, your programs and services and how over 200 Clubs across the nation have established Kids Cafés in partnership with their local community food bank. Invite the food bank to visit the Club so they can meet the kids, see what you are doing and better understand how a Club operates. If you establish a partnership with them, the possibilities are endless. To find out more about Kids Cafés link to Kids Cafe Opens at Northern Cheyenne Club . Please call Betsy Brown at FirstPic, Inc. at 1-866-NACLUBS, if you have any questions. Hurricane Relief:  How You Can Help  9/2/05 How To Help: Nationally As of this writing, we estimate that 17 Boys & Girls Club facilities along the Gulf Coast -- with a total annual enrollment of 20,000+ children -- were destroyed or severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Of this number, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast in the Gulfport/Biloxi, Miss., area lost six of their seven units to the storm. This organization alone serves some 14,000 young people.   Boys & Girls Clubs everywhere are advised to let people know about the hurricane relief fundraising effort to benefit afflicted Clubs. Donations can be made via 1-800-805-2582, online through our public Web site, bgca.org, or by mail. Checks (write "Hurricane Relief" in the memo line) should be made payable to Boys & Girls Clubs of America and sent to: Boys & Girls Clubs of America 1230 West Peachtree Street NW Atlanta, GA 30309 Attn: Hurricane Relief   How To Help: Locally The enormous humanitarian crisis posed by Hurricane Katrina -- 1 million people could be left homeless -- has brought forth many offers of assistance. There are many ways to help. Boys & Girls Clubs in areas where displaced families are being sent across our Southeast and Southwest regions can do the following: - Make contact with the local Red Cross or Salvation Army as a place they can direct non-financial support (food, clothing, etc.). - Make contact with local hotels/motels/shelters to pass out fliers about possible service in their existing Clubs to kids from displaced families. - Work with major shelter areas to set up mini-Boys & Girls Clubs for a few hours each day to help children have some sense of normalcy. Make sure to share with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the national office, what you are doing to help. We will collect the information for sharing as best practices, now and in the future, while also compiling a participant log. Stay tuned to www.bgca.net and www.bgca.org for further updates Notah Visits Green Country As winner of the 2004 "Walk With Notah" campaign, Notah Begay III, PGA Professional Golfer, took time from his busy PGA Golf Tour schedule to visit the BGC of Green Country. Last year, Notah challenged T.R.A.I.L. Diabetes Prevention sites to walk and exercise as he does each day. BGC of Green Country met the challenge and gathered the most miles! Their reward was a visit from Notah! Notah spent the day visiting with Club members, staff, community leaders and signed autographs! Thanks Notah and we look forward to the 2005 winner! 2005 Native American Service to Youth Award This year's award was presented at the BGCA Native American Summit to Denise Ballard, Executive Director of the Cherokee Youth Center Boys & Girls Club in North Carolina and recognizes her impact on the lives of Native American youth. As one nomination form explained, "Denise embodies the level of commitment and service to youth that we should each strive to attain." Congratulations, Denise! New BGCA NANAC Chairperson Appointed BGCA NANAC has announced that Ron Gurley, founder and COO of the Boys & Girls Clubs in Green Country, will serve as the new Chairperson of the advisory committee. He is replacing Dan Lewis who served as chairperson since NANAC's inception in 1997. As a dedicated volunteer in this position, Dan spent much of his own time helping to ensure the growth and sustainability of Boys & Girls Clubs in Indian Country and his efforts will always be remembered Notah Visits Cherokee BGCA National Spokesperson and Club Alumni, Notah Begay III visited the Cherokee Youth Center Boys & Girls Club on November 16 to play some foosball, take a tour of the Club and speak with Club members the importance of education and learning tribal traditions. Notah is currently working with a Pueblo elder to learn the difficult, unwritten Pueblo language. He also shared, "Don't ever set limitations on yourself. I'm living proof that dreams can come true." Mashkisibi Boys & Girls Club Receives ANA Grant In late October, the Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans (ANA), Quanah Crossland Stamps, visited Bad River, Wisconsin and presented the Mashkisibi Boys & Girls Club with a significant grant to be used for youth outreach and a Junior Staff program. Club Execs Gather for Training and Empowerment Native American Club executives from across the country recently took part in the first Advanced Leadership Certificate Program (ALCP) for Native American Clubs. Read how they were inspired and how their experience will help other execs. First Nations Celebrate National Kid's Day A Pentathlon in Hawaii, a fishing derby in South Dakota and a Health Carnival in Arizona. Read more about how Native communities celebrated National Kid's Day. Notah Begay & Domenici Talk Support BGCA national spokesperson Notah Begay III met with U.S. Senator Pete Domenici on June 24 when he was is in the nation's capital for a PGA tournament. Begay went to Capitol Hill to meet with the senator to discuss the allocation of federal funds for the organization's contributions to Indian Country. Native American Focus Group and Technology Training As part of BGCA's February Technology Conference in Phoenix, 20 professionals from Native American Clubs gathered for a full day of technology activities. The participants discussed the role technology is playing in their Clubs, how to include Native American activities in BGCA Core Tech, and received technology training. This was the second consecutive year this special all-day event was held. Native Clubs making connections at BGCA Technology Conference Clothing for the Tots Some local toddlers receive new clothes with a very special donation from Carter's, Inc. and doors are opened for 47 Native American organizations to begin a partnership with their tribal head start program. Find out the details. Mr. Cody Goes to Washington Cody Buff, Club member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Green Country, Oklahoma, travels to Washington, DC to receive an Outstanding Youth Leadership award from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Read more. Notah Presents at NCAI Annual Conference PGA Golfer & BGCA National Spokesperson, Notah Begay III was a keynote speaker at The National Congress of the American Indians' (NCAI) 60th Annual Conference on November 17-21, 2003. Read more. Nike and NNALEA Partner for the Kids Once again, the Native American National Law Enforcement Agency (NNALEA) and Nike are teaming up to deliver hundreds of sneakers to Native American Boys & Girls Clubs. Many thanks for making a positive impact in Native American communities. Callaway Recognized for Contributions to Native Americans Robbie Callaway, BGCA's Sr. Vice President, Government Relations, was presented the Outstanding Native American Community Volunteer, Non-Native Award by the Native American Recognition Days, an event representing Native Americans who reside in the Greater Phoenix area. Learn more. Breakfast in DC Native American Clubs had quite a presence at BGCA’s annual Congressional Breakfast. A video presentation from the upcoming PBS special on Boys & Girls Clubs in Indian Country was featured, a large contingent of Club representatives, tribal officers, partners and NANAC members attended and even the table centerpieces, Precious Moment® teepees fit the theme. Read more about the Youth of the Year. Boys & Girls Clubs National Youth of the Year, Mieasha Hicks, with Navajo Nation Vice President, Frank Dayish Jr and Lamont Yazzie from the Navajo Nation’s President's BGCA Liaison Office. Tennis Anyone? This summer, several Native American Boys & Girls Club members had the opportunity to participate in free tennis clinics sponsored by Standing Tall Tennis. Read more. David Dantzer, President of Standing Tall Tennis Instructs Club Members First Nations Celebrate National Kids Day On August 3, Boys & Girls Clubs celebrated and honored America's children by spending meaningful time with kids. Click here for a few examples of how Native American Boys & Girls Clubs across the nation recognized National Kids Day. Secretary Tommy Thompson Visits Alaskan B&GC The Dillingham Boys & Girls Club in Dillingham, Alaska had a special visitor this summer. Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Tommy Thompson, was in Alaska to address his department’s issues regarding Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. While there, Secretary Thompson expressed interest in visiting a Boys & Girls Club to observe positive prevention efforts. His visit to the Club was the highlight of the summer for Club members, community volunteers, and Club staff. The Club appreciated the opportunity to personally thank Secretary Thompson for his support of Clubs and the funds that allow Dillingham and others to provide services to young people in communities throughout the nation. Club members in front of the van along with Secretary Tommy Thompson and Chris Klabunde, Boys & Girls Club of Dillingham Manager Expedition to the Black Sea and Beyond Six Native American Clubs are participating in a pilot program for The Immersion Project that includes new curriculum training for Club staff, a summer camp for Club members and a grant for each Club. During the Sea Research Foundation's Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean expedition, some lucky Boys & Girls Club members will be taking part in the expedition from their "campsites", talking to the scientists via the web, asking them questions, and watching them work. They'll play games, read stories and solve puzzles about the expedition, having fun with their fellow campers as they learn. Read more. Boys & Girls Clubs Staff Tour the Mystic Aquarium JANA Concert to Benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Lac Courte Oreilles On July 18, 2003 popular young Lumbee performer, Jana, will present a concert at the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Reservation in Northern Wisconsin to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Lac Courte Oreilles. Jana, who combines traditional and contemporary music and dance, travels with a motivational positive message for youth and elders and will speak to area youth prior to the Concert. Jana addresses the issues of cultural pride and identity, motivation and ambition, education, alcohol, tobacco and drug awareness, and gang association. Jana’s single, “Stairway to Heaven,” earned her the 2002 Native American Music Award’s Song of the Year. For more information about the event, contact Brian Jackson at 715/634-4030. For additional information about Jana, click here National Diabetes Prevention Pilot Program is Launched The National Diabetes Prevention Pilot Program for Boys & Girls Clubs in Indian Country was launched at a special training, hosted by Nike, Inc. and held on June 9-10, 2003 at the Nike World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon. The Nike training, NikeGO, kicked off the first training for six Native American Boys & Girls Clubs selected to serve as grantees for the proposed Prevention Program that is a partnership among Indian Health Service, the National Congress of American Indians, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and Nike, Inc. Read More. The entire group enjoys dancing in the Nike gymnasium! Youth as Resources Boys & Girls Clubs of the Navajo Nation is collaborating with the National Crime Prevention Council to establish Youth as Resources (YAR) Programs in each of its 14 Units. YAR’s message to youth, “You are part of us. We need you,” helps young people realize they are valuable resources-to themselves, to their communities, and to the future of the planet. Clubs will learn how to incorporate the YAR program in their local community. In partnership with adult leaders, Club youth will plan and implement youth-led activities that promote positive changes in their communities while gaining leadership, planning, decision-making, teamwork, and other life skills. Club staff and youth leaders attended the kickoff YAR training May 29-30. Visit www.ncpc.org and www.yar.org for more information. Native American Clubs Focus on Technology Nearly 300 Boys & Girls Club Movement professionals met in Atlanta on May 22 and 23 to recognize their technology potential at BGCA’s second annual National Technology Conference, sponsored by Microsoft. Technology center directors from 16 Clubs on Native American lands gathered for a focus group to discuss obstacles to implementing technology in their areas. Participants said they face special challenges getting high-speed Internet access in remote areas, recruiting and training tech-savvy staff members, and navigating relationships with tribal governments. The focus group was sponsored by the Verizon Foundation, which provided attendees with scholarships to the Conference and has donated more than $100,000 for technology centers on Native American lands. Celebrating National Boys & Girls Club Week Clubs in Oklahoma collaborated to publicize the week. On April 9, Boys & Girls Clubs across the state set up displays within the Oklahoma State Capitol Rotunda, located between the two houses of government. More than 140 Club members and staff participated in rallying support. Both legislative houses recognized Boys & Girls Clubs and the Oklahoma State Youth of the Year, Amanda McArthur. Governor Brad Henry followed suit by proclaiming April 9 Oklahoma State Boys & Girls Club Day. Club members from across Oklahoma appeal to state legislators for support. Expanding the Circle at the 2003 Native American Summit Nearly 200 individuals, including senior professional officers and board volunteers from Boys & Girls Club organizations representing approximately 48 tribal nations and 32 states,and staff from Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), tribal leaders, Native, public and private organizations that serve youth gathered at the 2003 Native American Summit on January 31 - February 2, 2003. The two and a half day training conference provided participants —serving youth in Native American communities –– an opportunity for sharing many experiences. Read more. Bridging the Digital Divide a Little at a Time The January 7, 2003 edition of Indian Country Today features a cover story on Club Tech and our Native American Clubs. The joint program from Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Microsoft ® has connected 32 Clubs on Native Lands. Read the article. Breakfast of Champions Prominent B&GCA supporters gathered at the Congressional Breakfast Sept. 25 to honor Donald Smith, the 2002 National Youth of the Year, and pay tribute to longtime friend Sen. Strom Thurmond. Among those in attendance were Tex Hall, President of National Congress of American Indians and members of B&GCA Native American National Advisory Committee (NANAC) including Chairman Dan Lewis, Bank of America, Sam McCracken, Nike; Rick Robinson, Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Cheyenne Nation and Ernie Stevens, National Indian Gaming Association. Read more at www.bgca.net Starting a New Club in Indian Country Isn’t Easy…. but we know it can be done! A group of interested folks from over 25 tribes recently attended a two day Implementation Training workshop in Las Vegas to find out how to get started. The participants also visited the Mowapa Band of Paiute Boys & Girls Club. If you know someone interested in starting a Native American Club, order them the free manual “Forging a New Path: A Guide to Starting a Boys & Girls Club in Indian Country. U.S. Senate Subcommittee Hears From Boys & Girls Clubs in Indian Country At the invitation of the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Indian Affairs, Dan Lewis, Chairman of Boys and Girls Clubs of America National Native American Advisory Committee (NANAC), presented testimony on the Problems Facing Native Youth. His briefing highlighted the success of the Club movement and urged for continued funding of youth initiatives. Click here to read the complete testimony. A GREAT Program for Our Kids The National Native American Law Enforcement Agency (NNALEA) will expand the G.R.E.A.T. Program into six pilot B&GC sites in Indian Country. The G.R.E.A.T. Program teams trained law enforcement agents with school-aged children to create an interactive learning environment intended to deter youth from the negative aspects of their community. Since 1992, the program has proved to have a positive impact on the more than 2 million youth it has served. For more information on NNALEA, visit http://www.nnalea.org. Honor Our Children with National Kid’s Day Across Indian Country, Clubs are planning to celebrate National Kid’s Day to encourage adults to spend meaningful time with their children. In Maine, the Penobscot Nation is planning an event to include fun activities like canoe races, a Fun Run, basket making and lacrosse and the grand opening of their new gymnasium. The entire 1,200 member tribe is invited as well as 3 other tribes in Maine making it a “Wabanaki” the kids won’t forget. To join the event, visit www.bgca.net for more info. New Report: Addressing Poverty in Rural America Children in rural America are more likely to live in poverty than are children in urban and suburban areas. A new study from Save the Children outlines insights into why our rural communities have not been as effective as possible and provides recommendations of ways to address rural child poverty. Full of Native American statistics and sources for your grantwriting. Click here for access to the report. Nike Contributes $1M in Nike Wear to Native American Clubs Thanks to Nike, our Club kids will soon hit the ground running in summer camps across Indian Country. Every Club will soon receive a supply of socks, shoes and reversible jerseys - stay tuned for notification from your main unit. Thank-you Nike! SuAnne's Dream Team Celebrates New Building In Pine Ridge, SD dreams do come true. Suanne Big Crow's vision of "Happy Town" was made a reality as the local community, government agencies USDA, HUD, DOI & DOJ and Boys & Girls Clubs of America came together to celebrate the Grand Opening of the new center for the SuAnne Big Crow Boys & Girls Club. Click here to see picture gallery. A Club Started in an Old Feed Store Makes History The Boys & Girls Club of Green Country and the town of Pryor, OK made history as voters approved a creation of a sales tax to be directed to a new Community Center with facilities for the Boys & Girls Club's main unit and offices. The tax will also cover ongoing operational expenses for sustainability. Congratulations to the Boys & Girls Club of Green County and especially to Ron & Maggie Gurley. For more information, email Ron at rgurley@rectec.net. Boys & Girls Clubs of America National Conference April 17-20 Native American Clubs had a major presence at the 96th National Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Highlights included an honorary charter presented to the 100th Club in Indian Country - Boys & Girls Club of Kayenta, AZ (Navajo) Read more. SMART Moves News Thanks to a CNS grant, SMART Moves is currently being piloted for Native American Youth in the following clubs: Scottsdale Boys & Girls Club in Scottsdale, AZ Valley Boys & Girls Club in Lewiston, ID Shiprock Boys & Girls Club in Shiprock, NM Akwesasne Boys & Girls Club in Hogansburg, NY Cherokee Youth Center Boys & Girls Club in Cherokee, NC Boys & Girls Clubs of Green Country, Inc. in Pryor SuAnne Big Crow Boys & Girls Club in Pine Ridge, SD Boys & Girls Club of Lac Courte Oreilles in Hayward, WI Boys & Girls Club of Grand Traverse in Traverse City, MI Boys & Girls of the Fort Peck Reservation in Wolf Point, MT SMART Kids graduation at the Shiprock Boys & Girls Club.