Friends,

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 and $10,000 match from the Northwest Area 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.

How much of the donation will go to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe?

Razoo's and GiveMN's funding partners will cover all transaction fees (Network for Good credit card fee rate is 4.75%) to ensure that 100% of the donations go to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.

Is there a minimum donation?

The minimum credit card donation on Razoo and GiveMN is $10.

Is there a maximum donation?

There is no maximum donation limit on Razoo or GiveMN.

Native Americans in Philanthropy is urgently seeking emergency funding. Priority needs for the Cheyenne River are: non-perishable foods, cots, heat sources (heaters & fuel), camp stoves & fuel, toiletries, toilet paper, paper products for the shelter, pampers/formula, and hand/baby wipes/hand sanitizer.

Native Americans in Philanthropy needs your support to help us meet the most critical needs of children and families affected by these devastating ice storms. The people of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe very much need our help!

About the Lakota Nation

The Lakota Nation is comprised of over three million acres of beautiful nature with three major waterways including the Missouri River, the Cheyenne River and the Moreau River located in central South Dakota.

The Cheyenne River Reservation is home to the four bands (Tiospaye) of the "Titunwan" People of the Plains: The "Mnikoju" Planters By The Water, "Owohe Nupa" Two Kettle, "Itazipa Cola" Without Bows, and "Siha Sapa" Black Foot.

To learn more about the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and their recovery efforts please visit their website at www.sioux.org/English/CRST_2010_Disaster_Relief.php

above photo courtesy of Glenn Gunville