A Voice from the Eastern Door
A Voice from the Eastern Door
The official ribbon cutting for the Akwesasne Clubhouse (L to R) Akwesasne Clubhouse Supervisor Anastasia Benedict, A/CDP Assistant Clinical Director Melerena Back, NYS OASAS Commission Arlene González-Sánchez, Rakwirahes Pembleton, Akwesasne Youth Coalition member Washontiio Kyiah King, Tribal Chief Beverly Cook, A/CDP Clinical Director Connie Thompson, Health Services Director Michael Cook, and Tribal Sub-Chief Agnes "Sweets" Jacobs.
Tribal Chief Beverly Cook giving her words of encouragement and appreciation.
Youth representative Wahsontiio Kyiah King giving a heartfelt speech on all the reasons why the Akwesasne Clubhouse is a necessity.
Everyone gathered for a group photo after the tree planting at the Akwesasne Clubhouse.
By: Jaclyn Hall
On September 11th, 2018 community members and outside agencies gathered at the Diabetes Center for Excellence to celebrate the grand opening of the Akwesasne Clubhouse. The Akwesasne Clubhouse is a one-of-kind club made especially for Akwesasne youth to come and hang out. The main objective of the clubhouse is to give Akwesasne youth something to do, some place to go, all in a safe and supportive environment. Everyone knows that while growing up - boredom can often lead to some unhealthy habits and bad decisions. So, for the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe's Alcohol and Chemical Dependency Prevention Program to help run a teen-oriented clubhouse for young people to come and enjoy themselves, is reminding others just how important our young people are.
Tribal Chief Beverly Cook stated, "This is something our community needs, our young people are our future."
The event began at 5pm with Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Council members and Akwesasne youth making opening remarks. NYS OASAS representatives also gave words of encouragement and success stories from other First Nations communities who have embarked on a similar journey. After all the words of gratitude and appreciation were finished, everyone was invited to come outside and witness the ribbon cutting, the official opening for the Akwesasne Clubhouse. Akwesasne youth present were invited to cut the ribbon, taking the opening into their own hands. Afterwards, a tree was planted in honor of the grand opening. Once all the photos were taken and the tree planting finished, participants were invited to a light meal before heading home or hanging out in the new clubhouse.
The Akwesasne Clubhouse is now open Monday to Friday from 11am to 9pm and Saturday and Sunday from 1pm to 8 pm. The Clubhouse is located in the first door on the left upon entering the Diabetes Center for Excellence building. The Clubhouse is equipped with a pool table, ping pong table, dart board, computers, 65" inFocus mondopod, board games, craft supplies for cultural/traditional beadwork, outdoor lawn games, a gazebo and lawn furniture. The Clubhouse also provides snacks and beverages to participants. There will be trips and craft making classes coming in the near future. If you have any questions, you can call Anastasia Benedict at 518-333-0221.
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