Below is Chris Rodda's update regarding Pine Ridge:
First, a big round of applause for all the kossacks who took part in this effort on Friday. Whether you donated, reposted or tweeted our diary, or simply rec'd it so that people who could afford to donate saw it, you all played a vital role in what has turned into an absolutely amazing outpouring of generosity to the people on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
The response on Friday from the Kos community, as well as others who saw this post as it was circulated via other blogs and tweets, was so overwhelming that the propane company and Autumn Two Bulls, the volunteer gathering the names of people on the reservation who are most desperately in need, couldn't keep up with the incredible number of phone calls coming in from people who wanted to help.
Let's keep it going today!!!
In addition to the people who need propane for heat, there are also many who are in dire need of electricity and food. Autumn has worked tirelessly over the past few days to compile a list of names and make arrangements to make the process of getting immediate aid directly to these people as simple and coordinated as possible -- not an easy task given that this is an effort that's not being run by some big organization, but an all volunteer effort to quickly match people who want to help with those who are in need of immediate help.
The three best ways to help:
Propane:
As on Friday, you can call the propane company to pay for someone's propane delivery. There is a $120 minimum for a propane delivery. When you call simply tell them that your donation is for "Autumn's Heat List." The company will be going down the list of names collected by Autumn and directly applying your donation to a propane delivery for one of those people.
Call the Lakota Plains Propane Company at 605-867-5199 or 605-455-1188.
Electricity:
Donations in any amount can be applied to electric bills, and Autumn has requested that those who want to donate, but can't afford to do an entire propane delivery, please direct their donations towards electricity. Like the propane company, the electric company will have a list of names to apply the donations to. (Autumn will be sending them this list around 9:00 a.m. Mountain Time this morning.)
Call Lacreek Electric Company at 800-655-9324 or 605-658-6581.
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.
A message from Autumn:
In recent time there was an issue for a of State of Emergency in South Dakota for the Lakota reservations of Pine Ridge and Cheynne River. Winter strom after strom has pounded the Dakotas leaving many with out heat, electricity, and food. Many of these Lakota families don't have a incomes because of poverty and lack of economical development on the Reservations. Jobs are very scarce on the reservations. There are NO commercial, industry or technology infrastructures on the reservation to provide employment. And many people many believe that we get money individually from our casino but we do not. There is such a great population on Pine Ridge. Average income is $2600 to $3500. And the local electric company is going around the REZ turning peoples lights off! This is against the law. And they are only doing it on the reservation.
These Lakota families need your support in getting propane to heat their homes as they are out of heat or on the verge of being without heat. The winter weather here in South Dakota can be very brutal and harsh, with temperatures going as low as 30 below zero. Pine Ridge Indian Reservation is considered a 3rd world country in itself and is one of the poorest counties of the nation. 65% of the residents of the Reservation live in sub-standard conditions such as no electricity, running water, and often, without heat. Many of the elderly (some of whom still live in sod houses) die of hypothermia each year.
Your love and support is grealy appreciated!
Autumn 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. There will be much more to come on these projects and how you can help with them, but right now we need to help get these people through this winter.
I would like to add that Autumn Two Bulls 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.
Also this information needs to be reposted from Chris Rodda's original diary:
Unfortunately, according to a press release issued by the Oglala Sioux Tribe, there have been scammers soliciting donations on the internet, claiming to be raising money for the Pine Ridge Reservation, so, if you want to help, please be sure to do it via one of the two ways above.
If you do want to donate online:
A commenter when I posted this on the Huffington Post Impact page posted that 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, including Pine Ridge.
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From the comments:
Clothing Donations Also Appreciated
Another way to help--I've been sending gently used winter coats, boots, and sweaters to Lakota Oyate Wakanyeja Owicakiyapi (LOWO) which is the Child Protection Services agency on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Their thank you letters include the following: "If you are willing to send more clothing donations, we would greatly appreciate it." They are especially looking for children's clothing but appreciate clothing for adults as well. There are many other agencies on the reservation that are seeking winter clothing as well, but this is the only one I know of that welcomes used clothing.
The LOWO address is:
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.
by moira on Fri Jan 29, 2010 at 09:23:23 PM PST
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I want to highlight Kossack cacamp's earlier comment from Friday:
thank you all (Pilamaye)
I'm writing from the Rosebud rez next door to Pine Ridge and these reservations have been very hard hit by the recent storms. On the Cheyenne River rez just north they've been without power for over a week.
These are America's poorest counties where unemployment in higher than any third world country. That's not an exageration it's a fact. So when a major storm hits it takes out all the reserves the people may have. They have to spend next months propane money on this months emergency. Soon the money runs out and they turn to the tribe for help. That makes the tribe quickly run through their LEAP and other emergency monies and people begin to be left out.
In addition the HUD houses we live in are thin walled with not much insulation. Last week the wind was over fifty miles an hour for about three days of intense storms with about a foot of snow. Telephone poles snapped all over the rez and many had no electricity so propane was used for everything.
I could go on and on about the situation here but I'm sure you get the drift that this money is bady needed by my people. Personally I would reccommend that you give your money directly to the tribe, they know their people and who is the most needy. But there are good charities doing good work also but I've always leery of any I don't know personally. Also the links I've seen provided here all seem very well checked out.
Speaking on behalf of my people I want to thank all of you who have taken time to offer us your help. My thanks also to Chris and Navajo for doing this most needed act.
I sincerly hope each and every one of you recieves a blessing for you kind thoughts and deeds. In Lakota (Sioux) we say "Pilamaye" thank you vey much.
by cacamp on Fri Jan 29, 2010 at 02:32:02 PM PST
call the President Teresa Two Bulls office. btw, She's an ex-State Senator who's really on top of things so I highly recommend contacting her for advice if you can.
by cacamp on Fri Jan 29, 2010 at 02:56:52 PM PST
Many of you know Carter Camp's history but for those of you who don't here is a very short bit of his history:
Carter Camp was one of the original AIM organizers. In 1973 he was directly in charge of the military action group that went in advance of the main group to take over Wounded Knee. He and his group took 11 hostages, safely and later released. They held Wounded Knee for 71 days and brought much needed attention to the horrible police state that the reservation was trying to survive under. Not only that but attention was brought to other Indian issues that were consistently being ignored by government. AIM helped bring more Indian issues into the National and International news coverage. He is now a former AIM chairperson.
Since then Carter has continued his Indian activism by organizing various groups like the one that is currently trying to protect the sacred Bear Butte from development.
UPDATE FROM CARTER CAMP at 8:00 A.M. PST
if you plan on donating to Rosebud please call Eileen Shot @ 605-747-5273, she's the director of the LEAP office and manages the emergency funds for heating. Here we're just like Pine Ridge in that many are out of propane and emergency funds are running low. I just called the office and they told me the situation is dire and any donations are greatly appreciated.
Thank you kossacks, Carter
Here is the mailing address for checks only to:
Rosebud Tribe
LIHEAP Program
Attn: Eileen
Box 430
Rosebud, SD, 57570
Kentucky Kat is working on getting the various propane businesses telephone numbers that service Rosebud.
UPDATE 8:58 AM PST:
There are two major electric companies to contact for Rosebud:
When calling please indicate that you wish to assist the LIHEAP account.
Cherry Todd Electric- 605-856-4416
Lacreek Electric- 605-685-9324
Country Pride: 605-842-2711
Ask for Laurie Kartak
Also, please email Eileen directly when you make a donation (eileen shot AT yahoo DOT com) and include the amount of the donation...she would like to be able to verify that all donations made through the propane and electric companies are properly credited. Please include address as she would like to send everyone thank you notes, if you are comfortable with that
Finally, they are in need of wood stoves...used ones are fine, but this is something that they really need. Please email Eileen if you are able to spare one.
UPDATE from Carter Camp 9:37 AM PST
Eileen Shot says...
I just spoke with Ms. Shot and she's so very surprised and happy at the calls she's getting. Her emergency money is almost out and things are getting desperate.
Eileen wanted me to apologize to all who try to call and get a busy signal on their one line. Her cell ph # is 605-828-1337.
She said the Country Pride Propane Co. can take credit cards, you can call them at 605-747-2711.
Kindly excuse me also for not having the proper numbers when this important diary went up. Carter
by cacamp on Mon Feb 01, 2010 at 09:34:27 AM PST
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And Now About CHEYENNE RIVER RESERVATION:
Both Kossacks cacamp and SarahLee, residents of Rosebud Reservation reported in the comments that Cheyenne River Reservation has been suffering from a power outage and no water since Jan. 21st.
A State of Emergency has been declared.
Here is a large excerpt from the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe's disaster declaration:
Days of ice storms and strong winds have downed over
3,000 utility poles across the reservation.
Thousands of already impoverished tribal residents have
been without electricity or heat for five [now 10] days, with
wind chill factors well below zero.
Experts estimate it may be as long as a month before
all areas have electricity restored.
"Making matters worse," said Tribal Chairman Joe Brings Plenty,
"the loss of electricity has also knocked out the Reservationʼs
aging water system.
We have no running water on the entire Reservation,
it is also affecting of Reservation communities such as Faith,
whose water is supplied from pipes running through the Reservation."
The Tribe is working hard to bring families in, out of the
cold and into shelters. The South Dakota National Guard,
The Stateʼs Department of Public Safety as well as the
Army Corps of Engineers have come to the reservation and
supplied some emergency generators.
The Tribe would especially like to thank Wal-Mart
for providing emergency food and supplies, and the Navajo Nation
for sending up a tribal utility crew to help with the
downed electrical lines.
However, much more assistance is still needed.
No one facility can host a shelter large enough for
all the Tribal residents; additional generators are needed
to set up additional shelters. The Tribeʼs one and only
grocery store has lost all of its perishables; additional
food is needed.
Also, dialysis patients have had to be evacuated to Rapid City.
Donations Needed:
MEDICAL NEEDS: Dialysis Patients/Glucose Strips/Financial
Support for Hotels
* The dialysis patients have all been evacuated three
hours away to Rapid City, SD.
They are staying in hotels for at least a week and half,
probably longer.
The Tribe is looking into reimbursement sources from CMS
and IHS, but in the interim financial contributions are
needed to help the families pay for their hotel expenses
and food.
An account has been set up at Wells Fargo to help with
these expenses.
You can contribute at any Wells Fargo or send to the Rapid City branch.
CONTRIBUTIONS:
Wells Fargo
Cheyenne Dialysis Patients (c/o Dew Bad Warrior)
Acct. #: 5815904338
1615 N 7th St.
Rapid City, SD 55701
* Medical Items Need on the Reservation itself (shipping address
below):
* Glucose Strips
* First Aid Kits
* Children's Tylenol
* Children's Cough Syrup
NEEDED SUPPLIES:
A big thank you to Wal-Mart for sending some initial
food and supplies!!
Additional items are needed, especially for the
communities whose electricity is expected to be down
for up to 30 days. Please forward to any
companies that manufacture these items that may
be of assistance.
* CONTRIBUTIONS: Can be made directly to the Tribe's
emergency fund listed below.
* IN KIND: Or if you prefer to make in-kind donations:
* Non-perishable food
* Cots
* Heat sources (heaters & fuel)
* Camp stoves & fuel
* Light sources:
* Lithium 1, 2 and 3 batteries for law enforcement
* Lamps/Batteries/Lamp Oil
* Toiletries
* Toilet paper
* Paper products for the shelters
* Pampers/formula
* Hand/baby wipes/Hand sanitizer
FINANCIAL DONATIONS:
The Tribe has depleted its emergency budget with
the two blizzards that already hit the reservation since December.
It needs funds to help buy food and supplies for the community
and volunteers, to pay for gas and overtime for the workers,
to replace the motor at the water pump station that was
destroyed, etc.
Any financial donations are much appreciated.
The Tribe is also trying to set up on-line donations but
that may take some time.
WIRE DONATIONS TO:
Cheyenne River Sioux 2010 Disaster Account
Direct to: United Bkrs Bloomington ABA # 091 001 322
Beneficiary Bank: Account Number 250 3373
State Bank of Eagle Butte
Eagle Butte, SD 57625
Final Credit: Account Holder @ UBB Customers Bank
Account Holder: CRST 2010 Disaster, Account Number 103173
MAIL CHECK DONATIONS TO:
TO: Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe/2010 Disaster Account
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Chairman's Office
Attn: Ice Storm Emergency Fund
PO Box 590
2001 Main Street (Tribal Offices)
Eagle Butte, SD 57625
SHIP SUPPLIES 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
CHEYNNNE RIVER SIOUX CONTACTS:
Robin Le Beau, Chairman's Assistant c (610) 568-2101
Joe Brings Plenty, Tribal Chairman c (605) 365-6548
CRST Emergency Coordination Center (605) 964-7711 (7712)
[emphasis mine]
Below are more links to confirm need:
Wire donations can be made to:
Cheyenne River Sioux 2010 Disaster Account
Direct to: United Bkrs Bloomington ABA # 091 001 322
Beneficiary Bank: Account Number 250 3373
State Bank of Eagle Butte
Eagle Butte, SD 57625
Final Credit: Account Holder @ UBB Customers Bank
Account Holder: CRST 2010 Disaster, Account Number 103173
Checks can be mailed to:
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe/2010 Disaster Account
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Chairman’s Office
Attn: Ice Storm Emergency Fund
PO Box 590
2001 Main Street (Tribal Offices)
Eagle Butte, SD 57625
Primary contacts for the tribe:
Robin Le Beau, Chairman’s Assistant (610) 568-2101
Joe Brings Plenty, Tribal Chairman (605) 365-6548
CRST Emergency Coordination Center (605) 964-7711 (7712)
UPDATE IN REGARDS TO CHEYENNE RIVER SIOUX TRIBE DISASTER...
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (CRST) is in midst of an emergency disaster that could potentially last for another 10 - 27 more days. They have been out of Power and Water since Thursday (Jan. 21st). They are in need of many supplies and volunteer efforts.
They relocated all the Dialysis Patients to Rapid City and Pine Ridge. They are staying in Hotels. Some of the Tribal Members have relocated to surrounding Cities and are staying in Hotels.
Wakpa Sica Reconciliation Place is collecting donations to send to CRST. If you would like to donate supplies, please drop them off at 709 West Fort Chouteau Road, Fort Pierre, (Along North Highway 1806 - where the Big Tipis are). Or call (605) 223-9099 or email: wakpasica@midconetwork.com.
From the Friday comments:
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 and $3,766 raised to date, let's do the DailyKos bump.)
by Alice Olson on Fri Jan 29, 2010 at 05:54:39 PM PST
The Cheyenne River Reservation is home to the four bands (Tiospaye) of the "Titunwan" People of the Plains: The "Mnikoju" Planters By The Water, "Owohe Nupa" Two Kettle, "Itazipa Cola" Without Bows, and "Siha Sapa" Black Foot. It has been hit by a devastating ice storm that has left 9,000 tribal members in dire need of heat, food and water.
An additional matching grant of up to $25,000 has been made to the South Dakota Community Foundation, which will begin taking contributions on Monday, February 2.
There's no mention of the program on their site at this point. Presumably they will be geared up on Monday to take gifts for the matching grant program.
by Alice Olson on Fri Jan 29, 2010 at 07:01:41 PM PST
Legislator Info gathered by KentuckyKat:
Sen. Tim Johnson
Democrat
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510-4104
E-mail: tim@johnson.senate.gov
Washington Office:
SH-136 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510-4104
(202) 224-5842
(202) 228-5765 Fax
South Dakota Offices:
715 S. Minnesota Ave.
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
(605) 332-8896
405 E. Omaha
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 341-3990
320 S. 1st Ave.
Suite 103
Aberdeen, SD 57401
(605) 226-3440
Senator John Thune
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Washington Office:
383 Russell
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-2321
Fax:(202) 228-5429
South Dakota Offices:
320 North Main Avenue,
Suite B
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
(605) 334-9596
Contact Us: www.thune.senate.gov
Fax: (605) 334-2591
1313 West Main St.
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 348-7551
Fax: (605) 348-7208
310 South 1st Street
Aberdeen, SD 57401
(605) 225-8823
Rep. Stephanie Herseth-Sandlin
Democrat
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
WWW Home Page: http://hersethsandlin.house.gov/
Washington Office:
1504 Longworth HOB
Washington, DC 20515
phone: 202-225-2801
fax: 202-225-5823
South Dakota Offices:
326 East 8th Street, Suite 108
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Phone: 605-367-8371
Fax: 605-367-8373
Toll Free: 1-866-371-8747
1823 West Main St.
Rapid City, SD 57702
phone: 605-394-5280
13 Second Avenue SE
Suite 102
Aberdeen, SD 57401
phone: 605-626-3440
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:
T
he White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
(Please include your e-mail address)
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Further reading about poverty on reservations.
See also Ojibwa's diaries on our history.
Thank you my community and relations! You continue to amaze me with your good will and caring for those in need. Remember URGENCY is the word for today. I hope this makes the REC list. Please share this diary! --navajo
PS: (Personal Note) I will be offline from 9:30 A.M. on to have some super fun epidural cortisone injections in my spine, L4-5. Chris Rodda will be available to moderate in the comments.
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