Tribal Youth Council - Youth Activities - History

The Student Services Unit was formed in 1994 as a move to reorganize the Education Department. The Youth Activities Unit was extracted from the Co-Partner (Johnson-O'Malley) Programs for two reasons: (1) the programs involved in this unit provide direct services to students, and (2) the youth programs are developed to focus on goals for the students that lies beyond high school. Student Services in this area include: the FACTS Program, a teen pregnancy prevention program; an HIV/AIDS Prevention Program; sponsors the Cherokee Nation Tribal Youth Council; the Trail of Tears Awards for Excellence; and co-sponsoring summer JOM Youth Leadership Camp.

Eligibility

Eligibilities for program participants vary and are dependent on the funding source or established criteria.

Overview

The overview of the Youth Activities Program is as follows:

• A JOM/Youth Leadership Conference is co-sponsored in concert with the Co-Partner Programs that provide leadership training for youth. The youth are involved in planning and implementation of the conference. Workshops are presented on communication skills, resumes, health topics, self-esteem, and cultural history. Motivational speakers, career day and tribal issues are special leadership features of the conference.

• The Fertility Awareness for Children & Teens' Safety (FACTS) Program is a program provided as a service to schools. The goal is to provide support and encouragement to teens to delay sexual activity and to provide sexually active teens with information that will help them avoid pregnancy.

• An HIV/AIDS Prevention Program is available from the fifth (5th) grade to college level students. The programs consists of a quiz, video, and overhead transparencies. All of the materials used are approved by the State Department of Health. A certified HIV/AIDS Educator Counselor makes the presentation.

• The "Tsa-La-Gi" Trail of Tears Awards for Excellence was established to recognize and encourage graduating eighth (8th), ninth (9th) and twelfth (12th) grade Indian students in eight selected areas of excellence. These grades were chosen to assist in the transition of pursuing higher education. The intent of the awards to provide recognition for accomplishment and encourage the graduating students to develop to their fullest potential.

  A criteria sheet and nomination form is sent to school administrators, principals, and Co-Partner contacts. The criterion includes eight areas of excellence. Students are nominated from the areas of: Academics, Sports, Music, Art, School Clubs, Civic Organizations, Citizenship and Indian Cultural Activity.

  Each Award winner will receive a certificate and a T-shirt. Students who have any failing grades are ineligible. The Trail of Tears planning committee screens all nominations.

  In addition to the "Tsa-La-Gi" Trail of Tears Awards for Excellence the "Tsa-La-Gi" Trail of Tears District (1-9) Award for Excellence was established for seniors. The Trail of Tears Awards recognizes one male and female senior in each of the nine Cherokee Nation Tribal Districts with a special award.

• The Cherokee Nation Tribal Youth Council (CNTYC) is a fifteen member youth council patterned after the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council. Elections for positions on the council are held throughout Cherokee Nation Districts allowing for a geographical distribution of representation. The purpose of the CNTYC is to: provide experience for future tribal leaders; provide role models for Cherokee youth; help educate other youth; and, provide a voice for Cherokee youths.

Assessment

In-house program assessment ranges from participant data, monthly reports and participant evaluation assessment instruments.