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THE AT-LARGE PROGRAM RECEIVES FIRST NATIONS DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE'S NATIVE YOUTH AND CULTURE FUND GRANT

July 14, 2010

The At-Large Program recently received a $20,000 grant from the First Nations Development Institute of Longmont, Colorado. This award will support the efforts of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan’s At-Large Program.

The Native Youth and Culture Fund will provide programming to develop a youth leadership council that will be consulted to ensure that the youth activities being planned are structured in a way to maximize youth interest and participation. Primary areas of focus include:

  • Intergenerational events to promote and strengthen family connectedness
  • Promote traditional ways and teachings
  • Strengthen self worth and self-confidence
  • Offer culturally based, health, well-being and disease prevention workshops
  • Prepare cultural outreach presentations
  • Provide Youth mentoring by student athletes

The At-Large Program was established in 1992 through a Tribal Council action. The mission of the agency is to promote Tribal unity of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan, to assist At-Large members to enhance self-sufficiency and healthy lifestyles through advocacy, leadership, and effective programs and services. At-Large operates under four primary service areas: Advocacy (information clearinghouse and ombudsmen services), health services (routine medical transportation), elder services (Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program site, outreach, and activities), and community activities (promote traditional ways by offering native activities; promote traditional intergenerational family activities; connections for out-of-state members to the tribe, uniting families).

The At-Large Program can be reached by phone at (800) 884-6271.