A Voice from the Eastern Door
A Voice from the Eastern Door
Senator Little (eighth person from the left, back row) with staff, Board members and friends of the Akwesasne Boys and Girls Club.
Senator Little being introduced to the staff and Board members of the Akwesasne Boys and Girls Club by Director Jessica Cree-Jock.
Senator Little listening to Kaeliana Smoke. Smoke was part of a youth panel in Washington. It was Smoke's genuine and straightforward talk that prompted in the Club receiving a grant for the Club to hire a part-time mental health professional. Senator Little stated, "You are a doer, you get things done".
Niiakohontesa Gray and Tekaherha Logan Lazore introduced themselves in fluent Mohawk and then translated to Senator Little. Senator Little said, "This is very interesting. You'll be helping other students, and they will help you. This is wonderful. To become fluent in any language is a big accomplishment, you should be proud of it."
Director Jessica Cree-Jock wrapping up the Senator's tour of the Club with additional information on the Club and a thank you.
Satekaronhioton Fox, from the Native North American Traveling College leading Club members and visitors in a social song and dance.
NYS Senator Betty Little, a six-term member of Congress visited the Akwesasne Boys and Girls Club on Monday, August 15, 2016. Senator Little represents the residents of the 45th Senate District, which comprises Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Warren and parts of St. Lawrence and Washington Counties. She previously served in the New York State Assembly for seven years.
The Senator began her tour with an introduction to the staff and Board members of the ABGC by Director Jessica Cree-Jock. Members of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Council; Chief Beverly Cook, Chief Eric Thompson and Sub-Chief Michael Conners Jr. were also there to greet her. The Senator's tour took her full circle in meeting the ABGC Youth of the Year Kaeliana Smoke who met the Senator in Albany. And in meeting her, the Senator had expressed a desire to visit the ABGC
Upon her visit the Senator was visibly impressed with the Club's programs; the GED and Technology program, the T.R.A.I.L. - diabetes prevention program, the Education and Mohawk Language program, two summer programs and the fresh and hot meal program and more.
Walking through, Senator Little became familiar with the Clubs' every increasing programing and membership, serving at full capacity with over 100 Akwesasne youth and having a long waiting list to join the Club. The ABGC recently started a satellite program at the St. Regis Mohawk School serving 30 Akwesasne youth.
Senator Little stated, "I am thoroughly impressed by this. I would be happy to write a letter of support in building a new building."
Inclosing, Satekaronhioton Fox from the North Native Traveling College joined several young Club members in sharing two social songs and their meaning and significance. As well, The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Chief Cook, Chief Thompson and Sub Chief Conners had the opportunity to spend time with the Senator discussing several matters of importance.
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