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.
NAMA, a Native American organization has the ability to work with locals on the res to bring assistance to those in need. Their immediate plan is to buy propane for heat. The President of NAMA, Ellen Bello, has said that over 95% of the money raised will go directly to assistance. All of her "workers" are volunteers; there is virtually no overhead...there is only the desire to help.
Check out this website to donate online:
www.nativeamericanmusicawards.com/index.cfm
Go to "special programs" and hit "Donate"
Ellen wrote me the following:
Horrid, Inhumane, Deplorable and Dangerous are words to describe the situation in South Dakota. But Thanks to those who immediately responded to our Call for Action, we will be arranging for five households to receive propane tomorrow who are in need of emergency heat. We are currently compiling a master list of ministries, community centers and churches where many who have expressed interest can ship clothing, blankets, shoes, diapers, radios, batteries, etc. The responses are encouraging and NEED TO continue. Predictions are that there will be 2 to 3 more major storms before January. We are starting to mobilize our NAMA task force although communication is still difficult. I personally was moved to tears today after I heard that we received one informal emergency application from the Wanblee area in Pine Ridge for an 87 year old elder who was burning her furniture to try to stay warm.
Everyone of us need to think of her and the other elders, disabled and children out on Pine Ridge and Rosebud each and every time we touch our own heating thermostat. Recession or not, we are living in excessive luxury compared to the Lakota people. New leadership or not, we need to heal the heart of America before we can progress as a true democracy.
If you prefer to mail a donation do so at this address:
NAMA, 511 Avenue of the Americas #371, New York, NY 10011
We saw what we could do when donated whatever we could to a young upstart politician with a vision. Yes we can!! Your help, our help, individually and collectively is needed.
Now.
Yes...we can!