By Mahlon Smoke

Cheyenne Jocko and Joanne Jocko presenting the ribs they cooked for the teens at the event.

AKWESASNE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB – February is considered by many to be the month of love. As well, February is also called 'Teen Dating Violence Awareness' month. The Akwesasne Boys and Girls Club celebrated this month by hosting the ABGC Teen Dance during the 2019 Akwesasne Winter Carnival. The Teen Dance provided games and activities that promotes awareness and safe dating practices for teens who are entering the 'dating age'.

The night started with a very informative presentation by Danielle Rourke with 'Reality Check,' an anti-smoking campaign. Afterwards, Joanne Jocko and Cheyenne Jocko served dinner for the attending teens consisting of ribs, BBQ chicken, and mac & cheese, which everyone was excited about.

After dinner Jonel Beauvais of The Seven Dancers Coalition set up a "Minute To Win It" game which involved activities to help promote awareness about healthy relationships, safe teen dating and teen dating violence through trivia and fun games. The Teen Dance was well attended, and they thoroughly enjoyed the activities and dance until 9:00pm.