TULSA, Okla.- The Wilson Indian Community started a new tradition for the holidays by holding their first annual youth trip to Andy B’s on Dec. 29. Families had the opportunity to bowl and enjoy unlimited arcade games. Children and families present were seen enjoying themselves, smiling and laughing at the event.
Wilson Indian Community Chairman J.R. Wind (Mvskoke) spoke on the event and the many events to come for children of the community members. When Wind noticed a lot more youth were present at the community’s meetings, he thought it would be a good idea to launch an event that they would enjoy together with their families. After consulting with fellow board members, a youth bowling trip was added to the holiday calendar.
According to Wind, when the Wilson community hosts family events they typically see a great turnout. Wind hopes to see that same turnout with youth.
Wind is aiming to host five youth-centered activities throughout the new year. “We want to build trust that we are there for them as well and not just having to be a certain age,” Wind said.
Wind participated in many activities with his church group growing up. It was activities like these that inspired Wind and the board to take their community’s youth to places like Andy B’s.
Wind is very proud of his community and the board members, he has seen them give back toward the community in many ways. This includes donating to the Okmulgee County Homeless Shelter and serving meals to the homeless at Iron Gate in Tulsa. The community even started a “bless box” located at the Wilson Indian Community Center. This is a public pantry that provides food to those in need.
“When me and the other board first got on, we probably had like five or six people including the board showing up to the meeting and we really have done outreach for the community. Typically now we’ve been having 20-25 if not more at our meetings, anytime we do stuff people are really on board to do it,” Wind said.
For questions on how to get more involved with one of the Muscogee (Creek) communities, contact J.R. Wind at 918-319-1770. The Wilson Indian Community can also be found on Facebook.
