An Oglala Lakota woman who founded the first Boys and Girls Club in Indian Country was honored at a White House ceremony on Thursday.

Leatrice "Chick" Big Crow is from the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. She founded the SuAnne Big Crow Boys & Girls Club in honor of her daughter, SuAnne Big Crow, a basketball star who died in a car accident.

For her efforts, Big Crow received a National Promise of America Award from America's Promise, whose organizing chairman is Secretary of State Colin Powell. She was recognized for reaching out to at-risk youth at the club, one of 176 in Indian Country.

"Chick Big Crow has created an important community center for young people in Pine Ridge. It was an honor to meet with her today," said Sen. Daschle (D-S.D.). "Her efforts to provide a safe, positive environment for young people in Pine Ridge more than qualify her for this extraordinarily prestigious award." Daschle met with Big Crow yesterday.

Relevant Links:
SuAnne Big Crow Boys & Girls Club - http://www.suannebigcrow.org
America's Promise - http://www.americaspromise.org