The Menominee Recreation Center in Keshena houses four programs for youth and families.
“We all collaborate on youth programs and activities,” said Duane Waukau, director of tribal recreation.
Waukau’s programs include after-school activities from 3-5 p.m. for grades 1-4, 5 -7 p.m. for grades 5-6, and 7-9 p.m. for grades 7-12.
“I always call it a safe house,” Waukau said.
Approximately 30 to 40 kids participate in activities in the game room.
There is also a big room where seasonal dances are held. The next one is a Valentine’s Day dance on Feb. 11.
“We try to hit everything through the year,” said Waukau, who also oversees the youth recreational leagues.
James Oshkeshequoam, health educator, and Alan Tomow, fitness specialist, run the tribal clinic program. They are a community resource for diabetes prevention and wellness.
“People can ask questions about nutrition,” Oshkeshequoam said.
The program includes seasonal community walks, such as the Turkey Trot and Gingerbread Walk, along with a walk/run during the powwow in August. The biggest event is a family-oriented diabetes relay at the high school track in August.
“That’s been a huge event for us,” Oshkeshequoam said.
The Johnson-O’Malley Program is under the direction of Pat Tourtillott. It provides services for children from 3 years through grade 12 in the school districts of Menominee Indian, Gresham, Shawano and Suring.
“It’s a supplemental program,” Tourtillott said.
Mike Waupoose is the director of youth development and outreach. The program helps kids ages 5 to 18 deal with things such as bullying, drugs and alcohol. A recently initiated program targets underage drinking by involving 18- to 20-year-olds.
The program also includes Menominee Toys for Tots, which provides toys for 600 to 700 kids each year. Fundraisers are held throughout the year, and Positive Indian Parenting classes are held quarterly.
The department’s Youth Alliance program is run by Daniel A. Grignon. Fifteen high school kids plan community events, such as game nights.
“They volunteer their time at community activities and events,” Waupoose said.
The department also includes Nina White, adolescent health educator in pregnancy prevention and hygiene education, and daughters of tradition educator Lori Besaw, whose focus is on suicide prevention and awareness.
“They all care about their work,” Waupoose said.
The fitness room at the center is open at 7 a.m.
For information, call the center at 715-799-5158.
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