Twelfth Day of Snow Emergency (Pine Ridge Reservation)

[Naturyl]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Republic of Lakotah
[e-mail]
605-867-1111

RE: Twelfth Day of Snow Emergency

* Many hundreds of American Indians still snowbound and without electrical power or water on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

* Sofia Romero, age 98, snowed in, no power, no water, food situation unknown.

* Emme Zimiga, age 96, snowed in, no power, no water, food situation unknown.

* Amanda Milk, age 80's, no legs, dialysis patient, snowed in, presumed dead.

* Hisle SD - 38 households (average of 17 persons per household on Reservation) still snowed in with out power or water.

* Lost Dog Community - 5 families snowed in, no power, no water, food situation unknown.

* Lacreek Electric Association reports that over 1,000 power distribution poles broken by the storm have been replaced, but dozens more are still down, while repair efforts have been diverted to the some of the main distribution lines still partially inoperative.

* Red Cross Effort Vehemently Incompetent -

As documented by Marion White Mouse (605-462-6242), the American Red Cross sent a contingency of one volunteer, Monica Turkleson who departed the Reservation prematurely on Saturday, November 15th. Ms. Turkleson's "aide" consisted of nothing and her behavior was reported as impatient, rude and racist. Russell Means suggests that this organization change its name to the "White Cross."

For More Information About the Situation of the People on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservaton, CLICK HERE:

http://www.russellmeansfreedom.com/?page_id=17

Please forward this e-mail to friends, press contacts and bloggers to get the word out.

May the Great Mystery continue to guide and protect the paths of you and your loved ones,

Russell Means
Chief Facilitator
Republic of Lakotah

[RoseMead]

1. K & R n/t

[EFerrari]

K&R

:grr:

[Ecumenist]

2. This is disgusting. When the f*ck is someone going to help these poor people?

This is a blight against our country and this should be considered to be a crime against humanity. HORRIFIC!!! We rush help to foreign countries on the other side of the planet but we can't find a way to help fellow Americans RIGHT HERE ON OUR OWN BLOODY SOIL!!

[Naturyl]

5. Apathy about poverty is a nationwide problem

But these people have it worse than anyone. Incredible how our culture can pretend to "honor" Native Americans with a straight face while allowing these conditions to persist.

[codjh9]

3. Man that pisses me off. Thanks for posting. My mother long supported the Lakotah. If I wasn't

currently employed, I'd try to do something, and may anyway.

[slipslidingaway]

4. K&R n/t

[Hubert Flottz]

6. K&R

[EFerrari]

7. Red Cross Nat'l is closed now. I'll call in the morning.

:grr:

[knitter4democracy]

8. Oh my. This is really disturbing.

This kind of snow and cold is deadly, and we need to do something. Since we obviously can't depend on the feds or the Red Cross, it's going to take us working together.

[file83]

22. UPDATE: The elders were found safe, and electricity is back up...

From: http://www.republicoflakotah.com/?p=329

Three elders all found safe:

1. Sofia Romero, age 98
2. Emme Zimiga, age 96
3. Amanda Milk, age 80’s

Electrical Status:

* On November 19, the 14th day since the storm, Wayne Sterkel of LaCreek Electric reports that all residential power will be restored either by the end of the day of the 19th or the 20th at the latest. By last count, he is reporting over 1600 power distribution poles have been replaced.

Expressions of gratitude to:

* Student Anthropology Department of the University of Wyoming for their truckload of relief supplies which included many articles of warm winter clothes, several hundred pounds of food, a propane tank and heater.

* George Arculeta of One Nation Walking Together (www.onenationwt.org) for bringing in two trailers of firewood and supplies to Wambli and to Marion White Mouse and other residents who helped to distribute the goods door-to-door.

* Financial assistance from donors in many nations, proceeds of which will be used to provide propane during the winter months.

[hankthecrank]

9. there are snow machines that could be used to help for this

I'm sure there are snowmobile clubs in the area.

I'm sending this to this http://www.sharetrails.org/member_organizations/

We fly helicopters and drop hay at times for cattle can't we fly to help people

this needs to get out.

Russell Means to get on the horn


South Dakota air guard sending them this also http://www.sdsiou.ang.af.mil/

South Dakota Army guard https://sdguard.ngb.army.mil/default.aspx

[EFerrari]

11. Some of those elders found safe. There is an update at Means' site

(link in OP) but it's not definitive.

[eShirl]

10. OMG

:cry:

k&r

[EFerrari]

12. Could you find an update? This PR looks to be several days old.

I've no problem with that but, if we're to help in some way, we need as current info as we can get.

My ability to surf is limited right now, or I'd just do it myself. :hi:

[Naturyl]

13. This video is worth watching

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvRGdp6w-lY

There is also a very brief update on the front page of Means' site.

[1776Forever]

14. I Report link with Donation Addresses - Posted today Nov. 20, 2008........

http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-150834


The Native American Music Awards -

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

is conducting an effort on their website to receive donations for American Indian residents on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Reservations in South Dakota.

Many residents cannot afford propane in an area that suffers from 85% unemployment. According to federal census reports 60% of young children live with their grandparents who are unable to travel to apply for assistance programs.

Recent blizzard storms have knocked out power for reservation residents and many have had to resort to burning furniture for heat and melting snow for water.

Propane is still the biggest need for resident on both reservations. People interested in donating to the cause can go to the NAMA website at www.nativeamericanmusicawards.com or they can call 212.228.8300.

If people are interested in donations of items they can send items to the following:

LIST OF SCHOOLS, CHURCHES & MINISTRIES TO SEND WINTER ITEMS:

PINE RIDGE RESERVATION - NAMA DISASTER RELEIF FUND
Evergreen Ministries
Regular Mail address use PO Box 341
210 Washabaugh Ave
Wanblee, SD 57577
Attn Gus Craven
NEEDS MOST: Flashlights & Batteries, Diapers, baby wipes, wet toilette wipes, Blankets, formula, powdered or canned milk, Boots, caps, children's mittens, bottled water,
ALSO NEED: Fork lift, Wood stoves and wood

ARLETTE - CRAZY HORSE SCHOOL - ATTN: NAMA EMERGENCY RELIEF
Po Box 260 or 101 School Road
Wanblee, South Dakota 57577
NEEDS MOST: Flashlight with batteries, Blankets, Radio with batteries, bottled water, hand sanitizers, toiletries

ROSEBUD RESERVATION - HE DOG SCHOOL
Highway 18
He Dog School Road
Parmelee, SD 57566
NAMA Blizzard Relief FUND
NEEDS MOST: flashlights with batteries, blankets, candles, bottled water, Clothes, Winter coats, Hats, Gloves, Scarves, Kerosene Heaters, Flashlights, Batteries, Lamp oil, Wood, One burner propane ranges, Matches, Blankets
Sleeping Bags, Generators, Candles

ADDE
St Thomas Parish
Box 151
Mission SD 57555
NEEDS MOST: New & Gently Used Winter clothing

ST FRANCIS
PO Box 149 or 350 South Oak Street
St Francis, SD 57572
Roberta
NEEDS MOST: New or gently used warm clothing, Batteries, Blankets, Camping gear type needs, and even puzzles and crossword puzzles.

RUSSELL/NAMA AID
Tree of Life Ministry
PO Box 149 or for UPS - 140 South Roosevelt Street
Mission, SD 57555
NEEDS MOST: Baby Formula, larger baby/toddler diapers, Blankets

ROSEBUD SIOUX TRIBAL COMMUNITY SERVICES
Melissa Poingnee - Director
PO Box 430, BIA 1, Bldg 10
Rosebud, SD 57570
"Running Water shortage" Huge warehouse, can distribute.
NEEDS MOST: Bottled Water.
Tags: weather, storm, -, indian, reservation, residents, burning, furniture, keep, warm
In response to assignment: Severe weather

[EFerrari]

15. Perfect. Thank you.

[1776Forever]

16. I was so glad to find this - it took awhile but it was worth it.

I pray for these people and hope that we can get some more media coverage. I have emailed some MSM that I have contact with.
:grouphug:

[progressoid]

17. Yes, thank you.

I think we'll make a care package this weekend to send. Good family project.

[Divine Discontent]

21. this reminds me of the salvation army being antigay, but anyhow I don't trust

many of these aid agencies. I guess the best ones typically are the small ones that have a good history.

K&R!!

Many different Yes We Did items in the Obama/Biden section www.cafepress.com/warisprofitable

[SpiralHawk]

18. "vehemently incompetent" response

k and r

[OmahaBlueDog]

19. There is another Pine Ridge blog that does not echo that sentiment

http://friendsofpineridgereservation.org/blog/

"Also, there are still many families without power. If you'd like to donate to the Black Hills Area American Red Cross, whose staff are helping with relief efforts for our friends on the reservation, please click here. You'll also find photos there of the aftermath of the blizzard and Red Cross workers delivering supplies to those people stranded at the American Horse School. "

I'm not saying they're not in desperate need of help (they are); I'm simply pointing out that not everyone seems to think the Red Cross has been totally useless.

[Naturyl]

20. Ways to help directly

1. Food and NEW Clothing can be sent to:
RELIEF AT T.R.E.A.T.Y. SCHOOL, a 501(C)(3) Tax Exempt Organization

P.O. BOX 99, 444 Crazy Horse Drive, Porcupine, SD 57772

2. Republic of Lakotah Emergency Propane for the Elderly can be purchased directly from Lakotah Plains Propane via Mastercard/Visa at: 605-867-5199 . Via mail to P.O. Box 1994, Pine Ridge, SD 57770

http://www.republicoflakotah.com/?p=297

[progressoid]

23. Kicking for the weekend crowd.