https://secure.piryx.com/donate/0oFFsK8c/Cheyenn-River-Sioux-Tribe/Alright, this has gotten next to no press recently, and it's frustrating.
http://www.sioux.org/In the later part of January, a massive ice storm tore through South Dakota. The Cheyenne River Sioux tribe Reservation was hit the worst--even weeks later:
--Many utility and power lines are still down
--Water pipes are frozen, or broken
--As a result of the above, most residents are without power, heat, or running water
On sunny, warm, good days, the reservation suffers from 80-85% unemployment. They've been all-but ignored by the federal government. The reason the donate link isn't to the Red Cross is just illustrating how poorly-publicized this problem is.
What you can do:
--Donate through the link at the top of the thread. It will go to an account established by the Sioux tribe. 100% legit. Even if you don't live in South Dakota (or even the US), or have any Native American ties, any amount you can give will go directly to the tribe's reconstruction efforts.
--Spread the word. Like I've said, this has gotten next to no press so far. The more people know these people need help, the better.
--Americans: contact your congressmen, local Red Cross chapters, and religious charities and get them involved in the relief effort.
--If you live in area around South Dakota, I'll be making a trip up this weekend to lend a hand. Let me know if you want to join in. Hotel reservations, food, and most other expenses are on me--just bring a few changes of clothes, work gloves, and coldweather gear for yourself--bring some blankets, shoes, water or canned food for the Sioux tribe. PM me of you're interesting.
