If you are visiting this crisis series from outside of the Daily Kos community, we would all like to welcome you and thank you for your interest and generous support.
Background, from navajo:
Centuries of abuse and neglect of the original inhabitants of what is now the United States has not ended. Our reservations are still like third world countries. When massive ice storms and high winds hit the reservations in the Dakotas mid January poor housing, weak heating systems, sparse cupboards, lack of warm clothing and health problems make it difficult to survive. Add to that a utilities infrastructure that was brought to its knees on the Cheyenne River Reservation when 3000 poles and power lines came down from 6 inches of ice weight also crippling the water system. Ongoing storm conditions hampered repair. The reservation has been without power since Jan. 21st and Federal funds are still weeks away.
The new snow storm has hit the reservations in South Dakota! Weather will continue to deteriorate through Tuesday, with expected dips in temperature into negative territory, so it's important for us to stay focused and maintain our crisis-level support.
High and Low Temperature Forecast:
Sunday | Monday | Tuesday |
24°F | -1°F | 4°F | -6°F | 11°F | -1°F |
Wind Chill Advisory issued for Rosebud & Pine Ridge Reservations
(h/t SarahLee):
...WIND CHILL ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM MST 6 PM CST MONDAY
TO 10 AM MST 11 AM CST TUESDAY...
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN RAPID CITY HAS ISSUED A WIND CHILL ADVISORY... WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM MST 6 PM CST MONDAY TO 10 AM MST 11 AM CST TUESDAY.
* WIND CHILL VALUES OF 25 TO 35 DEGREES BELOW ZERO ARE EXPECTED.
Cheyenne River and Standing Rock Reservations are facing roughly similar weather conditions.
Many members of these tribes are trying to cope with no power for heat and they haven't had running water since Jan. 21st. Some water was restored on the Cheyenne River rez Feb. 3rd but pipes were broken in the meantime in many of the homes. Those folks have to stay in the shelters.
Six inch diameter ice from power line
explains devastating power outages.
Photo provided by Brenda Kleinjan, Director of Communications and Member Relations/Editor for South Dakota Rural Electric Association
There are nine reservations In South Dakota. Unfortunately, news reports are covering only two reservations: Pine Ridge and Cheyenne River.
Full size photo and courtesy of South Dakota Office of Tribal Government Relations
There has been massive support from Kossacks in keeping these diaries on the REC list and donating money and supplies. Major news coverage continues to be weak and federal help is slow to arrive under the best of circumstances. Deep Harm, who has considerable expertise in the area of disaster preparedness, finds these circumstances "unorthodox". Whatever the reasons for that are, the result is the same: Your help is still urgently needed to prevent homes from freezing and people going without water and food.
Please help again today with your RECs and spreading the news.
Below are links to previous diaries that provide background on the reservations and descriptions of the current disaster and a summary of donation links we have collected.
January 29th,Friday's diaries:
Chris Rodda's originating diary Emergency Help Desperately Needed to Heat Homes on the Pine Ridge Reservation and navajo's re-post of the original.
February 1st, Monday's diary:
Emergency: Ice Storms Devastate Pine Ridge Reservation and Others, by navajo
February 2nd, Tuesday's diary:
EMERGENCY: Summary of Dakota Rezs Ongoing Dire Situation, by navajo
February 3rd, Wednesday's diary:
EMERGENCY: Updated Summary of Dakota Rezs, More Snow Coming, by navajo
&
Foundation grant will double your money for SD Tribes, by Bugsby
February 4th, Thursday's diary:
EMERGENCY: Updated Summary of Dakota Rezs, Please Help, by navajo
February 5th, Friday's diaries:
EMERGENCY: Summary of Dakota Rez Links, Power Cos. Close 5PM MST, by navajo
&
ACTION: S.D. Rez Weather ER - Media Contacts/LTE Template, by Aji
&
EMERGENCY continues: Summary of Dakota Rez links, by TiaRachel
February 6th, Saturday's diaries:
Emergency Action Diary: Assistance Needed On South Dakota Reservations, by KentuckyKat
&
ACTION: S.D. Rez ER - Contact List for State/Local Pols, by Aji
February 7th, Sunday's diaries:
ACTION: S.D. Rez Emergencies - Things You Can Do In 5 Minutes, by Aji
§ NEWS
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From SarahLee (regarding the updated weather advisory):
Most of us can deal with the just cold temps pretty well - but add the temps together with 20+ MPH winds and few houses will stay warm.
Those of us with spark arrestors on our chimneys instead of just chimney caps can't burn wood during these blizzards either. The snow hits the warm air there, and starts forming ice around the wire frame so smoke can't get out the chimney - forces it back into the house.
Thus propane and electric heaters are essential. Too often cheap electric heaters that may be used if you are low or out of propane, lead to house fires.
All of the donations for propane are really life savers in times like these.
From KentuckyKat's email:
Good Morning [KentuckyKat],
It's been a busy week. I would like to thank you and all the people who have donated funds to help with propane for the people living on The Rosebud. As of 730 pm last nite 14 people have donated 1824.00! THANK YOU!
I am delivering $150.00 in propane to the families that are in need of help. The propane that I have delivered thus far was greatly appreciated by the families. When they asked "who is this from?" I tell them,"A group of donors who want to help the people on the Rosebud, ask Linda/Carter camp. They have more information." This is all I tell them because I really don't know what else to say.
I have the recipient sign the lpg ticket, because if they got they help then they really needed it. It is SFEC's company policy that if your lpg tank is less than 5%, then someone needs to be home so that I can see a pilot lite.
[...]
Again Thank You All Very Much
Sherry
St. Francis Energy Company
From Carter Camp (cacamp): Ah-ho from Rosebud
I'm glad to see Sherry from ST. Francis Propane took the time to report on things and say thank you. She and her Mom have been very helpful.
Yesterday when I spoke to Eileen Shot she also asked I pass on her heartfelt thanks. She also said she had informed President Rodney Bordeaux about the great work being done here on dkos. President Bordeaux has been in DC this week lobbying and testifying in Congress on an important Indian Country appointment (ANA Commissioner). He requested we also offer his own big thank you to all of you who are doing this great work.
From SarahLee:[W]ord of the great work being done here is being shared around the rez. I've had a couple of people tell me they have heard about people being helped because they know I participate here.
Personally, I can't thank everyone enough. It means a lot.
At White Buffalo Calf, one of our many services is helping women with transitional housing and other needs as we help them put their lives back together - have had to help a few with keeping power on this week so I know the need is still there.
Temps are expected to be a high of 14 on Monday - it will be worse on Cheyenne River.
Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
§ IMPORTANT UPDATES
**************************************************
⇒ Now for some good news from Aji: Per KentuckyKat, as of 7:00 PM yesterday evening, including matching funds, Kossacks had raised $10,404 for the reservations. This is actually lower than the true amount raised; not all donors identified themselves, and so their contributions are not included in that figure.
⇒ SATURDAY, FEB. 6, UPDATE: Good news! Joe Brings Plenty, Cheyenne River Tribal Chairman, reports that the urgency for support to Cheyenne River Reservation has been downgraded, as they're about 99% recovered now. They appreciate all of the support!
⇒ New contacts added in the Rosebud section for power company donations.
⇒ The (Archibald & Edyth) Bush Foundation has added another $25,000 in matching funds thru the South Dakota Community Foundation see more under Umbrella Groups.
§ TRIBAL ENTITIES, UTILITIES, AND AID GROUPS BY RESERVATION
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ROSEBUD RESERVATION
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UPDATE FROM Kossack CARTER CAMP!
I spoke with a local company owner who agreed to take credit cards for propane delivery. She's also a local resident and one of the only native owned propane companies.
St. Francis Energy Co. 605-747-2542.
Patsy Valandra said she and her daughter Sherry will be answering the phone and she'll be working with community leaders to identify families in need and particularly those who need help but are ineligible for LIHEAP.
by cacamp
From KentuckyKat and boadicea:
I am trying to see if LIHEAP can set up a paypal account that we can use to donate.
We will continue to use Cherry Todd Electric of Mission, South Dakota (605)856-4416 Tell them to direct your donation to LIHEAP.
Ask for Samantha. URGENT! Yesterday was disconnection day, some families had their power cut your donation today will help a family get their power turned back on. Credit Cards ok.
Country Pride does not want to participate in the donation program.
As per KentuckyKat, Lacreek Electric will not be participating in the donation program for Rosebud Reservation without specific family information for which donations are made. (A list of specific recipient families may be forthcoming. Will update if information becomes available.)
If you can only donate by check which will be used for future propane deliveries and other necessities send a check to:
LIHEAP, attn Eileen.
P.O. Box 430
Rosebud, SD 57570
Checks payable to: Rosebud Sioux Tribe LIHEAP
From SarahLee:
Monetary Donations:
Rosebud Sioux Tribe President's Office
P.O. Box 430
Rosebud, SD 57570
Monetary donations (checks only right now) can be made to help the various emergency programs - from social services to energy to the emergency preparedness program, which may be providing extra food or plowing roads to diabetics and those needing dialysis, etc. Monetary donations can include a note specifying how you would like the funds used.
The tribal chairman's office also accepts clothing donations.
Clothing is passed out to those who come into the offices in need or through the tribal social services office.
Clothing:
White Buffalo Calf Woman Society, Inc
291 N. Main
P.O. Box 227
Mission, SD 57555
605-856-2317
Paypal link at our outdated website: www.wbcws.org
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PINE RIDGE RESERVATION
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Power:
Lakota Plains Propane Company
Pine Ridge S.D 57770
1-605-867-5199
Takes major credit cards and debit
Minimum ordering $120 for one weeks worth of propane
- Call the company tell you want to donate to a Lakota family for heat.
- Tell them that you would like to donate to one of the names on the LIST.
Call Lacreek Electric Company at 800-655-9324 or 605-685-6581
You need to have a name of a needy family when you call. Please email KentuckyKat, she has the list of names from Autumn and you can be matched with a family.
An emergency assistance fund has also been set up by the tribe that will be used exclusively for heating costs -- electric, propane, fuel oil, and firewood. Donations in any amount can be sent to:
Dean Patton, Treasurer
Oglala Sioux Tribe
P.O. Box 2070
Pine Ridge,
South Dakota 57770
Food:
There are three different food stores that will accept credit cards by phone. To help a family in need of food, call Autumn directly at 605-407-8487, and she will match you with a family and let you know which food store to call to put money on account in their name.
Clothing Donation:
(Please note: Clothing must be clean or it will be thrown away!)
Lakota Oyate Wakanyeja Owicakiyape
East Highway 18
IHS Compound, Box 604
Pine Ridge, SD 57770.
See changingwinds.org for addresses of other agencies participating in the Winter Warmth Drive for the people of Pine Ridge.
Special thanks to Autumn Two Bulls who has been our contact from Pine Ridge. Autumn is completely a first responder volunteer, she is not getting paid nor profiting from this effort. She knows her people well and has driven all over this vast reservation which is half the size of Connecticut to check on families in need and collect their names for the power companies. She is currently working on plans to bring solar energy to the Pine Ridge Reservation, and also the construction this summer of an entirely green homeless shelter -- projects that, when completed, will serve as a model for other reservations.
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CHEYENNE RIVER RESERVATION
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Brings Plenty, Cheyenne River Tribal Chairman, has downgraded the need for urgent material donations as FEMA has been on the ground since Monday assessing damage and the reservation is about 99% recovered for now.
Should more need for support arise, the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe now has an online donation link.
§ MEDIA PRESSURE
**************************************************
Click here for a list of newspapers with national circulation and national media groups (with word-count limits and other info.
Don't Forget: CNN has two ways to encourage reportage (news tips or story idea) available through its "tips" link.
§ POLITICAL PRESSURE
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South Dakota Government Officials To Contact
Governor Mike Rounds
Office of the Governor
500 E. Capitol Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501
605.773.3212
Convenient email link for Governor Rounds here.
Legislator Info gathered by the indefatigable KentuckyKat:
Sen. Tim Johnson
Democrat
E-mail: tim@johnson.senate.gov
SH-136 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510-4104
(202) 224-5842
(202) 228-5765 Fax
Senator John Thune
383 Russell
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-2321
Fax:(202) 228-5429
Rep. Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin
Democrat
U.S. House of Representatives
WWW Home Page
1504 Longworth HOB
Washington, DC 20515
phone: 202-225-2801
fax: 202-225-5823
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U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs
838 Hart Office Building Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-2251
Democratic Committee Members:
(H/T CuriousBoston)
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White House info (H/T DeepHarm)
To send an email message, go here.
To telephone or FAX:
Comments: 202-456-1111
Switchboard: 202-456-1414
FAX: 202-456-2461
To use TTY/TDD:
TTY/TDD:
Comments: 202-456-6213
Visitors Office: 202-456-2121
To send traditional mail:
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
(Please include your e-mail address)
§ SUSTAINED SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS
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Umbrella Groups
You can double your donation and use a credit card.
The (Archibald & Edyth) Bush Foundation is matching gifts to relieve suffering on SD Indian reservations following an ice storm that will leave many without heat, electricity and food for weeks. The Foundation will give up to $25,000 in 1 for 1 matching dollars.
The Minneapolis based foundation announced today that it will match gifts to Native Americans in Philanthropy which has created a special fund to assist the Cheyenne River Tribe of the Lakota Nation.
(You can donate here thru Native Americans in Philanthropy)
Progress:
$3,766 (Jan. 31st)
$7,866 (Feb. 1st at noon PST before this diary) four hours later $8,781
$11,200 (Feb. 2nd AM)
$13,040 (Feb. 4th 10:58 AM PST)
$15,330 (Feb. 4th 2:38 PM PST)
$16,745 (Feb. 5th 11:12 AM PST) raised to date)
by Alice Olson on Fri Jan 29, 2010 at 05:54:39 PM PST
UPDATE FEB. 3rd 2:00 PM PST:
The Bush Foundation has added another $25,000 in matching funds thru the South Dakota Community Foundation As of this posting Feb.3rd at 2:00 PM PST they have $665 raised. Spread the word and let's see another DKos bump.
Progress:
$665 Feb. 3rd
$985 Feb. 4th 11:00 AM PST
$1,135 Feb. 4th 2:40 PM PST
$1,224 Feb. 5th 11:12 AM PST raised to date
The Native American Heritage Association (NAHA) (NAHA) is a very reputable organization with a 4 star rating from Charity Navigator, so if you're looking for a way that you can donate online, and want to be sure your donation is going to a legitimate charity, this would be the organization to send your donation to. NAHA provides food, clothing, heating assistance, etc., to the people on several South Dakota reservations.
The Native American Advocacy Program (NAAP)
302 East 2nd Street
P.O. Box 527
Winner, South Dakota 57580-0527
Phone: (605) 842-3977
(Not so much for emergencies, but they help our tribal members with disabilities.)
Native American Rights Fund
"Our Mission: preservation of tribal existence, protection of tribal natural resources, promotion of Native American human rights, accountability of governments to Native Americans, development of Indian law and educating the public about Indian rights, laws, and issues."
Web Contact Page
E-Mail: pereira@narf.org
1712 N St. NW
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-785-4166
Fax: 202-822-0068
§ MORE BACKGROUND
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From Winter Rabbit's kickass diary.
See also Ojibwa's diaries on American Indian history.
♦ Did you know: A four-bedroom home costs a reservation as much as $261,000 to build, due to the high cost of importing building materials and creating new infrastructure? It's true.
Stick Around, Let's Keep Each Other Company While We Work:
If you haven't yet seen the excellent PBS documentary about Wounded Knee on the Pine Ridge reservation, We Shall Remain, Wounded Knee, Episode 5, it's highly recommended viewing. (H/T exmearden) The episode features Kossack Carter Camp throughout and gives an important history lesson about his people, AIM and the struggle that continues today to retain the culture. (Our own Meteor Blades spent 51 of the 71 days of occupation inside with Carter Camp and the rest of AIM.)
As we work today to turn the heat up on public officials and the media, let's remember why we're keeping our protective eyes on these reservations. Let's keep in mind that while the bitter cold takes its hardest toll on the elder keepers of culture and language, the hands of a cruel history will keep many men and women firmly in their grip for a long, long time to come (from We Shall Remain, Wounded Knee, Episode 5 [38:16]):
Dennis Banks, former AIM leader, Ojibwa tribe: We all had to strip down naked, and then they put the DDT on us. They line us up and they’re cutting our hair. You have long hair, you have braids, and then that gets cut off. And I would say within a matter of an hour and a half we’re standing there, all looking alike.
Narrator: Between the 1870s and the 1960s, over 100,000 Indian children were sent to one of the nearly 500 boarding schools scattered across the United States.
Newsreel (archival): Through the agencies of the government, they are being rapidly brought from their state of comparative savagery and barbarism to one of civilization.
Boarding school children (archival): Singing "Ten Little Indians"
[...]
Walter Little Moon, Wounded Knee resident, Oglala Lokota tribe: This is education that was promised us. That was guaranteed us through the treaties, but it wasn’t. It was torture, brainwashing. They called us many different names. Savage. Dumb. I got beat for looking like an Indian, smelling like an Indian, even speaking Indian. (weeping) Everything I did.
Dennis Banks, former AIM leader, Ojibwa tribe: Their de-Indianization program, it failed. But, the toll was devastating. It destroyed our family. It destroyed the relationship we had with our mother. I could never regain that friendship-loveship relationship that I had with my mother. It wasn’t there anymore, and that’s what, to this day, I keep thinking, you know, ‘damn this government. What it did to me and what it did to thousands of other children across this country.’
That's not distant history squeezing peoples' well-being, culture, language, religion and morale.
Those of us that champion human rights and equality have got a lot of work to do yet. The fact that we have to advocate for it while maintaining respect for Native American sovereignty complicates things but it doesn't relieve us of the duty to put enormous pressure on state and federal governments to be considerate and humane. Always.
§ CLOSING THOUGHTS
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This diary in no way represents all of the effort that's been poured into countering this crisis by diarists and those in comments who have generously donated funds, supplies, research, kind words, and recommendations in this community over the last several days. But it will do to help keep this ball in the air until navajo can add the next installment and donations can be accepted again. Peoples' lives are on the line here. Let's not fail them.
It is still URGENT to keep the pressure on and get help to these tribes, please help.
Please leave us a comment if you were able to donate or make an effort to raise awareness and support from the authorities or the media.
While we're at it, let's give TexMex's ShelterBox Action diary a boost too.