Coeur d'Alene Tribe receives funding for middle school programs

PLUMMER - The Coeur d'Alene Tribe recently received multi-year funding through the United States Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention for a tribal youth program.

The grant is for $463,681 over three years.

"Strengthening the Spirit" serves sixth, seventh, and eighth graders on the reservation through afterschool and summer youth programming involving structured educational, cultural and physical activities.

Students will engage in hands-on activities to pique their interest in science, technology, engineering and math. In addition, students will participate in physical activities to promote physical well-being, healthy eating and a drug free lifestyle and experience cultural activities to foster a stronger cultural identity and sense of self-worth.

"We need our kids to stay engaged and stay in school in order to graduate and this DOJ grant will help us to give kids on the reservation a healthy outlet, somewhere to go where they feel safe and loved and can learn the skills they need to succeed in school and in life," said Chief Allan, Chairman of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe.

Director of the Benewah Wellness Center, Cheryl Weixel believes this combination of activities will help reengage middle school students and help them to reach their full potential.

"Our ultimate goal is to do all that we can to make the youth on our reservation strong, healthy people in all aspects of the word. At the end of the day, we are all thinking of the kids and their future," Weixel said of the program.

The Coeur d'Alene Tribe previously received funding from 2005-2008 from the DOJ to start up the program, which is open to native and non-native students.