OKMULGEE – This year, the Tribal Child and Youth Coalition (TCYC) will host its annual Mvskoke Spring Celebration on March 18 at the Mvskoke Dome. The event will include games, resource booths, face painting, and haircuts. It will run from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.- registration is required.
“TCYC aims to unite tribal youth and child-serving programs. Our meetings focus on sharing insights, data, and challenges concerning our youth, which has led to the creation of activities and events that enhance our communities and foster family togetherness,” MCN NYCP Curriculum Specialist/Chair Cassandra Thompson (Mvskoke).
“Our mission is to promote child wellness, encourage responsible parenting, and ensure children thrive in safe, supportive, and healthy environments. We host two major events annually: Estuce Fest and Spring Celebration, using our monthly meetings to plan and coordinate enriching activities for Mvskoke families while sharing resources to strengthen program collaboration and outreach.”
The Spring Celebration is held to bring families together, promote healthy, positive activities, and honor Mvskoke values, Thompson notes.
New interactive and physical activities- such as the opening ceremony walk with the Mvskoke Nation Youth Council group, Hotel En Pefatkvlke- have been planned.
Different MCN booths will be available, featuring resources and activities. Cultural make-and-take activities, such as corn-husk doll-making, clay sculptures, basket weaving, Southeastern motif stencils, and stickball demonstrations, will also be featured.
They have also included face painting, free haircuts, and a photo booth to capture the moments. The other activities will be a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, archery battle, laser tag, soccer darts, dunk tank, obstacle courses, and bubble foams.
Last year, the Spring Celebration was postponed due to the budget freeze, but this year they are excited to have it this year alongside the new TCYC board, Thompson who has become the Chair, Anita Branum (Childcare) is the Vice Chair, Kristy Evans (Tribal Utility Authority) is the Secretary and Shannon Arneecher (Mvskoke Nation Youth Services) is the Treasurer.
“Our diverse board has been working diligently with the committee to ensure that this year’s celebration includes engaging activities for youth of all ages, along with some fresh and exciting features,” Thompson said. “We are immensely grateful for the efforts of the board and the numerous programs that have collaborated to bring this exciting event to life. While some changes have been made since previous celebrations, we hope to maintain the fun atmosphere that has always characterized the event.”
Anyone who comes, both adults and youth, must register through their registration link. This will include a waiver that will allow all of them to enjoy the new physical activities. Registration will be closed on March 13. All who join and register will enjoy free pizza, a bag, and a resource book.
Anyone who completes the survey will be eligible to win a prize package featuring family-friendly activities and items, including bikes and basketball goals. The winners will be contacted to pick up their prize following the event.
