By Dana Lance, Media Relations Specialist
Chickasaw Nation Media Relations Office
The Chickasaw Youth Council will soon transform into a leadership program designed to direct young Chickasaw men and women onto the path to become tomorrow's leaders.
The new Chikashsha Apihchi Ikbi (Leadership) program targets Native students ages 14-18 who reside in the Chickasaw Nation.
Junior Leadership Chickasaw and the District Youth Council Program will interconnect to form the new Chikashsha Apihchi Ikbi program.
During the 12-month program, members will have the opportunity to learn and experience a wide variety of topics and issues that affect their lives.
Included on the itinerary are visits to Oklahoma State Capitol for a tour and visitation with state officials and trips to other tribal headquarters. The final tour will be a bus tour to Washington, D.C.
Members will also learn different Native American cultures as well as vital life skills to help them grow and become resourceful young adults.
Important topics will be discussed and life skills will be sharpened.
Students will gain knowledge of powerful communication skills, powerful presentation skills, how to handle conflict situations, successful ways to lead an organization, and diversity.
Cultural aspects such as learning Chickasaw language, Chickasaw history and the different creative crafts that Chickasaw people have developed over the years.
The group will meet on the second Saturday of every month for 12 months from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., with guest speakers, lessons and lunch provided.
To be a member of the group, students will be required to maintain a GPA of 2.5 or better. To remain in good standing, members will have to attend a minimum of 75 per cent of all regular meetings, fundraisers and service projects.
Eligibility for the Washington, D.C. trip will require students to participate in 100 per cent of all regular meetings, fundraisers and service projects.
One main objective for the group will be agreed upon and community service and/or fundraisers.
For more information about the Chikashsha Apihchi Ikbi program, contact Ms. Tonya Bierce, youth leadership coordinator at (580) 310-6620.
