VIAN, Okla. – In the spirit of Ga-Du-Gi, the Cherokee Nation’s Community Youth fund is inspiring Cherokee youth to help their neighbors in need though their volunteer efforts with Professional Home Hospice.
“These students exemplify the Cherokee spirit through their dedication to this program,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “Our mission is to create a better community by working together. Through our Community Youth Fund, they will be awarded grant money which will allow them to excel in their extracurricular activities, and through their volunteer work they will be awarded a moral lesson, the importance of consideration to their fellow man.”
Cherokee students at Vian Middle School are actively taking part in “Threads of Love,” a volunteer program that provides crocheted items to hospice patients. The program is in partnership with Professional Home Hospice.
“This is a great way for these children to learn compassion and by working to receive the grant money provided by Cherokee Nation, they learn the value of a dollar,” said Faye Wildcat, Special Education Teacher for Vian Middle School. “Our kids have worked really hard collecting yarn and we are very proud of them.”
The purpose of the Cherokee Nation Community Youth Fund is to strengthen community organizations and encourage Cherokee citizenship and participation by exposing Cherokee youth to Cherokee community leadership and show how Cherokees have survived and excelled through group and community actions. Participants also develop future leadership skills through the funding of activities.
Funds may be used for educational, athletic, cultural, and other activities that meet the mission of the Cherokee Nation and the program. Cherokee Nation citizens ages 5 to 18 years who live in the 14 county jurisdictional area of the Cherokee Nation are eligible to participate.
Applicants must be a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and provide a copy of their blue card, provide proof of permanent residency and must be at least five years old but no older than 18 years of age at time of application. Application must be turned in by applicable deadline with a completed W-9 signed by applicant.
Selections are based on a “first come, first served” basis until the total available funds are designated. No applications will be taken after July 1, 2007.
Ashley Watts, a participant in the program, said this opportunity has taught her a great deal about her fellow students and community members.
“I’ve learned that when I do for others, I feel better about myself,” said Watts. “I’ve also learned that when we work together, we can make a difference in our community. I would encourage all Cherokee students to take part in the Community Youth Fund because it provides opportunities and teaches students about the importance of helping others.”
