Akwesasne Boys and Girls Club
ABCG Youth learn tradional singing and drumming. Photo: ABGC
The Akwesasne Boys & Girls Club (ABGC) was established at the current ‘Rooseveltown Club House’ in 2001, and quickly became the fastest growing youth service organization in Akwesasne. ABGC is part of the national Boys and Girls Clubs of America, which had its beginnings in 1860 in Connecticut, USA. To recognize the fact that girls are a part of our cause, the national organization’s name was changed to Boys & Girls Clubs of America in 1990.
The Akwesasne Boys and Girls Club provides a safe environment for children of Akwesasne to learn, grow, to develop life-enhancing programs. It is the mission of the ABGC to inspire and enable all young people to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.
ABCG White water rafting in Ottawwa Ontario. Photo: ABGC
The ABGC offers programming in each of the Six Core Program areas: Character and Leadership ; Technology; Education & Career Development; Sports, Fitness & Recreation; Culture and Arts; and, Health & Life Skills
Some Notable Achievements of the Akwesasne Boys & Girls Club
• Many have become leaders in their schools and have proudly represented Akwesasne
• Club members have an average GPA 1.75 higher than non-club members
• 100% of our senior youth leaders entered college
• Club members are more technologically proficient because of our tech center
• Club members receive educational seminars on drug & alcohol abuse
• Children are healthier because we’ve partnered with HS Diabetes Prevention and Healthy Heart Programs to offer nutrition information and a wide variety of physical activities
• The Club offers a very successful Graduate Equivalency Diploma course
ABG Club Membership is open to any child aged 6 to 20, from any of the surrounding communities, for a nominal fee of $10 per year, to offset administrative costs. The fee can be waived, if necessary.
Photo: ABGC
The youth are our future, and the ABGC reaches the youth of the entire Akwesasne Community.. The ABGC launched the Kanatakon Club House, A satellite club, in November 2005. Located in the Northern (Canadian) portion of Akwesasne at Kanatakon School, the Kanatakon Club House serves an average of 60 members. Without the partnerships of the Community, volunteers and supportive businesses, The Akwesasne Boys & Girls Club would not be able to serve Akwesasne’s youth.
