Each year a crowd of excited kids line up to receive tackles boxes, lures, fishing rods and reels, and a life jacket! With fishing gear in hand, they get to spend a day on the water as part of the annual “Kids for Fishing” event. The children line the shoreline and hop aboard boats, they anticipate having a great time on the river all while learning about boating safety, fishing, drug prevention, and environmental issues.
This past Thursday, May 5, 2016, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council provided a $3,000 donation through the Community Partnership Fund for the annual event which is now in its sixth year.
The annual fishing program has enabled more than 250 Akwesasne youth to fish alongside professional anglers and learn different styles of fishing. Each year, 50 youth between the ages of 10-17 years old are randomly selected to participate in a live drawing done Akwesasne’s local radio station, with 10 spots reserved for children with special needs.
“Kids for Fishing†has evolved into a full-day event and involves the St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Police, Akwesasne Mohawk Police and various programs from the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe and Mohawk Council of Akwesasne.
BY: ATV Staff
