The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe in South Dakota has suffered greatly from devastating ice storms in the Dakotas the weekend of January 22, 2010. This is the third in a series of storms that have hit since December 2009. Over 2,500 utility poles have been brought down and power has been out in many areas. The wind chill of below zero is making a bad situation worse; no electricity, heat, gasoline, or running water for over 14,000 residents.

The Tribal government is setting up shelters and working hard to provide for the community's needs. The State, the Red Cross, and other Tribes are helping, but options and resources have been drained with the two most recent blizzards.

Native Americans in Philanthropy, with up to a $25,000 match from the Bush Foundation, is accepting donations on behalf of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. We ask that you give as little or as much as you can to help our brothers and sisters.  Please visit our page on the GiveMN.org website for online donations at  http://givemn.razoo.com/story/Cheyenne-River-Tribe-Storm-Relief-Emergency-Assistance

More information is available at www.sioux.org/English/CRST_2010_Disaster_Relief.php.  A personal statement from the Cheyenne Tribal Chairman, Joseph Brings Plenty, and a press release from the Bush Foundation have been issued and are available here.