"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Cherokees Provide $100,000

TAHLEQUAH, OK - Six area Boys and Girls Clubs can enjoy a little extra funding this year, thanks to a $100,000 gift provided by the Cherokee Nation.

“Cherokee people are community-focused and community-driven,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “The Cherokee Nation realizes that the strength of our government lies in our communities. Therefore, we feel it is important to that we help other organizations with the same vision and dedication to citizens of the Cherokee Nation and of Oklahoma.”

Boys and Girls Club of America originated in the 1860s and was established to provide a positive environment for youth to learn and flourish. Statistics provided by the national organization states that more than 4.4 million boys and girls participate in programs made available by 3,700 clubs across the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

The Chelsea Boys and Girls Club received $5,000 of the funds, the Delaware County chapter was presented with $12,500, the Nowata County Boys and Girls Club received $12,500, the Green County of Pryor club was presented with $20,000 in funding, the Sequoyah County Boys and Girls Club received $20,000 and the Tahlequah organization was awarded $30,000.

According to Neil Morton, Cherokee Nation Group Leader of Education, the amounts were determined based upon a club’s enrollment numbers and the number of clubs an organization has in its area. The funds will be used to develop a leadership program and to enhance cultural and language initiatives.

“The money from the Cherokee Nation was truly a gift at this time of year for us,” said Janice Randall, Tahlequah Boys and Girls Club Director. “Our reimbursements will be here until after the first of the year and we were in need of funds to keep our programs running.”