Sacred Leaders

Boys & Girls Club of MAIC

The Sacred Leaders program uses different methods, including storytelling, arts, retreats, cultural education, and activities with Elders to help youth develop leadership skills and become advocates for commercial tobacco prevention in the community. Sign up is required to participant, but programming is offered at no cost to families. Youth earn stipends and other gifts for their time and service.

Youth participating in the Sacred Leaders program learn Dakota and Ojibwe and technology skills through the Culture Language Arts Network Technology Assisted Language Keepers program (CLAN TALK). Youth have access to state-of-the-art technology through the Best Buy Teen Tech Center and skilled instructors. Participants create videos, podcasts, and other art that incorporates the Dakota and Ojibwe languages. 

ELIGIBILITY

    Priority is given to American Indian youth ages 12-18. Youth who do not identify as American Indian are welcome to participate in our culturally focused programs.

SERVICES

  • Group programming twice per week.
  • Group mentoring.
  • Leadership skills training.
  • Meal provided at programming.
  • Transportation to and from program as needed (limited capacity)

MEETING SCHEDULE

  • Youth ages 12-18 meets on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Minneapolis American Indian Center during the school year.
  • There are field trips scheduled throughout the year. Additional consent by parents or guardians is required for participation 

APPLY FOR SACRED LEADERS

To enroll a youth in the Sacred Leaders program, please contact Melissa Bruneau at mbruneau@maicnet.org or (612) 879-1729. 

SPONSORED BY

Mn Department of Health
MAIC Logo for sharing
PROGRAM STAFF
Melissa Bruneau

Club Program Manager
mbruneau@maicnet.org

Stephen DeLong

Sacred Leaders Program Coordinator
sdelong@maicnet.org

Kaylee Bruneau

Youth Empowerment Advocate
kbruneau@maicnet.org

Lorenzo Smith

Best Buy Teen Tech Center Assistant
lsmith@maicnet.org

Jayden McCray

Youth Activities Assistant
jmccray@maicnet.org