DISASTER DECLARED ON THE CHEYENNE RIVER SIOUX INDIAN RESERVATION IN SOUTH DAKOTA
By Aton Edwards, I.P.N. Executive Director
As we continue to help the people of Haiti to recover and rebuild their devastated nation, we must not forget that disasters will continue to strike, and — we must stand ready to respond whenever and wherever they appear.
Over the past few days, the people of the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation in South Dakota have been struggling to deal with a disaster that has severely impacted against thousands of the 15,000 Tribal members living on the Connecticut-sized reservation. They have been living without running water, heat & electricity due to a severe ice storm that knocked down 3000 utility poles. In addition, the sub-zero temperatures have compounded their suffering.
The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Chairman Joe Brings Plenty has declared a State of Emergency in central South Dakota, and is awaiting a Presidential disaster declaration.
Tribal Chairman Joe Brings Plenty
Plenty also states “making matters worse, the loss of electricity has also knocked out the Reservation’s 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.”
Tribal members are helping to move affected families out of the cold, and into heated shelters. They are assisted by the Army Corps of Engineers, the
South Dakota National Guard, Wal-Mart and the States Department of Public Safety and supplies.
The Navajo Nation is also helping. They sent a tribal utility crew to repair downed electrical lines.
Some work has been done, but much more assistance is needed. I’m posting the requested materials & supplies here & urging all of our members & readers that have helped, and continue to assist the Haitian earthquake survivors to reach out and help our Native Brothers & Sisters.
Your contribution will be appreciated and, immediately deployed — unlike the situation in Haiti.
We can do both! It’s easy — just take the money you planned on spending to see a movie, buy a video game, six-pack, etc & send it to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe/2010 Disaster Account (info posted below). Or, collect some of the listed materials & supplies, run to your local post office and send it off.
They will appreciate any help you can offer. Please read the info posted below!
”wašte!” (wash-tay)
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:
* 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)
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