We are pleased to announce Bruce LeClaire’s appointment as the National Chair of the Indigenous Connections Movement Resource Group (MRG). LeClaire is the Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Club of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe.
LeClaire is the first Boys & Girls Club Chief Executive Officer to hold this prestigious Indigenous Connection, MRG, National Chair position!
Movement Resource Groups at Boys & Girls Clubs of America are vital internal communities designed to foster inclusion, professional development, and cultural understanding among our full-time and part-time Club staff. Through Bruce’s leadership, we will amplify the impact of the Indigenous Connections MRG, ensuring all staff have access to resources, support, and opportunities to deepen their understanding of Indigenous cultures and communities. The Indigenous Connections MRG exists to develop and advance Native staff and all staff with an interest, affinity, or passion for Indigenous people and cultures.
“We are honored to have Bruce LeClaire as the National Chair of the Indigenous Connections Movement Resource Group,” said Carla Knapp, National Vice President, Native Services, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “His extensive experience and commitment will be instrumental in developing staff engagement and creating a welcoming and safe environment where all staff can have meaningful connections and experience belonging.”
LeClaire is a Club kid; he attended the Boys Club in Sioux Falls, S.D. LeClaire also worked at his Club as the Assistant to the Recreation Director and as a Jr. Councilor during the Summer Program. Bruce brings over 35 years of dedicated service to Indigenous communities. Before joining the Boys & Girls Club of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, he served as the Title VII Family/School Coordinator for the Durango School District. He was also the Program Director for the Durango Project of Intermountain Centers for Human Development, overseeing residential behavioral treatment programs for Native American adolescents.
LeClaire is a peacetime veteran, having served in the United States Army as a Combat Engineer, where he achieved the rank of Sergeant and served as a squad leader.
This appointment underscores Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s commitment to staff development and cultural understanding. Bruce’s leadership will be instrumental in developing resources and opportunities that enhance staff understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures, contributing to a stronger, more unified organization. We are confident that Bruce will champion the Indigenous Connections MRG, ensuring that all Boys & Girls Clubs staff have access to the resources and support needed to thrive.