Canku Ota

(Many Paths)

An Online Newsletter Celebrating Native America

June 5, 2004 - Issue 114

A Li Mi A Grand Opening is a Day of Celebration

by Running Strong for American Indian Youth press release

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Olympic Gold Medalist, Billy Mills Attending Festivities, Encouraging Crow Children

WASHINGTON, D.C. and Garryowen, MT. - On June 12, 2004 A Li Mi A, a new youth entrepreneurship center on the Crow Indian Reservation, will commemorate its grand opening with a day of celebration. Events including a Future Warrior Parade, Chief Race, Buffalo Hide Race, Indian Relay and ribbon cutting begin at 9 am at the Edison Real Bird Complex.

After 2 pm, activities will move to A Li Mi A where Olympic gold medalist and Running Strong for American Indian Youth® National Spokesperson Billy Mills (Oglala Lakota) will share stories from his life, encouraging local youth with his message based on character, dignity and pride. "A Li Mi A is an investment in our children's future," said Mills. "This new entrepreneurial center is a place children can go to and will know that we believe in them; that they can follow their dreams."

A Li Mi A "A place to go to get help to help yourself" will house entrepreneurship education and training activities and will be a resource area for children of the Crow community to access information for business, technology, education, career, housing and advocacy. The new community center is a unique building, constructed with non-load bearing straw-bale walls and rooted in community collaboration, its design is based on the Crow belief in the Morning Star, a guide star that gave Crow warriors direction in the wilderness.

National non-profit organization Running Strong for American Indian Youth® granted $75,000.00 to make A Li Mi A a reality. The Center Pole Foundation will oversee the operation of A Li Mi A, ensuring the preservation of youth programs among American Indian youth.

Running Strong for American Indian Youth® is a nationally recognized non-profit organization with the mission of strengthening American Indian communities by creating opportunities for self-sufficiency and self-esteem. Running Strong is honoring its national spokesperson, Billy Mills, in 2004 in celebration of the 40th anniversary of his Olympic 10,000 m gold medal.

To arrange an interview with Olympic gold medalist Billy Mills, or for media information about A Li Mi A, the 29th annual Marine Corps Marathon, or, the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian, contact Molly Farrell at 202.257.5129 or mfarrell@indianyouth.org

The Center Pole Foundation is a cultural and educational organization located on the Crow Indian Reservation. Our mission is: to empower Native American youth through knowledge, experience and global awareness, to train youth as agents of change, and to promote the exchange of information, ideas and understanding between Indian reservations and the mainstream.

A Li Mi A Grand Opening is a Day of Celebration
Saturday, June 12, 2004 Beginning at 9:00 am
Olympic Gold Medalist Billy Mills Coming to Celebration

A Li Mi A is located on the Crow Indian Reservation, a place of profound beauty and living Indian traditions.

We are located in southeastern Montana, on Interstate #90, between Sheridan, WY, and Billings, MT, just south of the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. Exit at Garryowen or Rte #212 and follow East Frontage Road. Look for a 2-story house with a tipi pole porch.

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