With much of the United States’ focus on Haiti, we forget that there are people in our own country who are also in need of assistance. Over the past two months, two states of emergency have been declared on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, home to the Oglala Sioux Tribe. In December, a state of emergency was declared by the tribe after three teen suicides in the last three weeks of November were added to 96 attempted or completed suicides between October 1, 2008 and August 1, 2009.
In January, another state of emergency was declared after a winter blizzard left a large portion of the reservation completely inaccessible. Exacerbated by extreme weather conditions, many of those living on Pine Ridge do not have the income or means to fill their propane tanks or purchase groceries. There are two sources of heat on Pine Ridge: wood stoves and propane. Propane tanks are now depleted, and there is only one provider of propane on the Reservation. The minimum order requirement per delivery is $125.00 per tank. Delivery can only be made to remote villages when enough homes can meet this minimum. When minimums are not met, deliveries are not made and people are left to freeze inside their homes.
Conscious Alliance has set a goal of $30,000 to be split between their efforts in Haiti and the ongoing struggle experienced by those living on Pine Ridge. Please go to https://www.consciousalliance.org/donate.php to find out how you can assist us in our efforts.
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