Daily Kos: Rikpa

Native Americans dying on the reservation

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Tuesday November 18, 2008 · 5:33 AM PST

2008/11/18 · 05:33

The situation on Pine Ridge and Rosebud reservations is dire. Early and severe winter weather has snowbound the elderly and the young, often without heat or food. The unemployment rate is at third world levels with 85% unable to find work. The average ANNUAL income is about $3,500. And government assistance...well, suffice to say that the phrase is an oxymoron.

There is a Native American organization that is poised to assist those who cannot help themselves. Their rather modest goal is to raise $15,000 to buy propane for those who absolutely need it. I posted yesterday how kossacks could help.

update-help needed on native american reservations

Rikpa

Community (This content is not subject to review by Daily Kos staff prior to publication.)

Monday November 17, 2008 · 5:43 AM PST

2008/11/17 · 05:43

update: spoke to ellen bello, president of NAMA. she said most of the people working to aid native americans on rosebud and pine ridge are volunteers. she doesn't like the idea of giving money to the government because not much of it gets to the people who need it. she further said that 95% or more of the money raised will get to where it will really matter - to the people, for propane, food and clothing.

thanks to all of you who have helped. the need is great...please rec this diary so others may also participate.

check out this website:

http://www.nativeamericanmusicawards.com/index.cfm

... go to "special programs" then to "donate". my earlier post follows.

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