Tribal Comunity Supports "Kids for Fishing" Program
Sep 12, 2011
Corporal P.J.Burns of the Saint Regis Tribal Police and Constable Norman King, from Akwesasne Mohawk Police, discussed the possibility conducting an outreach program to teach kids from the community about different styles of fishing. Their discussion turned into a reality when they held a seminar, on August 10, 2011. In the morning, they discussed boating safety, drug intervention and invasive species. After lunch, discussion items included the different techniques for catching fish, the differences in fishing poles, reels, fishing line and lures. This program was a great success. Austin Oakes, Mason Jackson, Jared Jackson, Rowesonkies Barnes, Onientahse Laffin, Kearin Adams, Breann Bigtree, Lucas Beeson, Ethan Beeson, Sky Leaf, James Arquette, Bronson Sunday, Jasmine Dunn, Tyler Mitchell, Tavares Mitchell and Tewasharake Barnes all participated in the program.
The “Kids for Fishing” participants had even more success when they entered the Ninth Annual Junior Carp Tournament in St. Lawrence County. Tyler Mitchell caught the biggest carp of the tournament weighing in at forty pounds and ten ounces. Breann Bigtree caught a twenty six pound carp in this two-day event.
The continued generosity of the Akwesasne community made this program possible. The kids were also able to participate in the carp fishing tournament because of the generous donations given by the community of Akwesasne. Many organizations sponsored the kids to go to and take part in the tournament. They include the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police, Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, the Hogansburg American Legion, Native Trading Associates, the Mohawk International Raceway, Akwesasne Mohawk Police Commission, Eagle Watch, the Twin Leaf Convenience Store, Cooks Greenery, the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne’s Holistic Health program and Mohawk Racing Parts.
For more information conact David T. Staddon, Director of Public Information at 518-358-2272 ext. 286.