(image via http://47whitebuffalo.wordpress.com)
In the past few weeks, many of the South Dakota tribes have been hit incredibly hard with the recent winter storms. Many communities are still without power, and power companies estimate it will be another 4-5 weeks before power is restored. With temperatures dipping well below zero, supplies of food and water on the reservations are desperately needed.
with much of the media attention in recent weeks focusing on the big storms in DC, little has been done to help the growing crisis. According to Cheyenne River officials, all types of emergency supplies are needed:
“The tribe this past weekend opened up an emergency fuel fund,” Conrad said. “And people are going around checking on elderly and families with small children. We are working with Dreams of Eagles, a Native American non-profit in Omaha to get supplies up from Omaha this week. Batteries are needed, candles, non-perishable foods, toilet paper, diapers, infant formula and water. Our reports are that the supplies that are getting to the reservation are dispersed rapidly, and some aren’t able to get any.”Please consider donating to the Cheyenne River--they have an easy online form that goes directly to the tribe and community. Click here to donate!
Supplies and donations can also be shipped to:
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Chairman's Office
Attn: Ice Storm Emergency Supplies
PO Box 590 2001 Main Street (Tribal Offices)
Eagle Butte, SD 57625
Here is the Indian Country Today article detailing the extent of the emergency in the Dakotas: http://www.indiancountrytoday.com/national/plains/83646472.html
Donation Link: https://secure.piryx.com/donate/0oFFsK8c/Cheyenn-River-Sioux-Tribe/