1. Pine Ridge Indian Reservation (South Dakota)

   By Nikki Niehues (General public)

   I am wanting to get attention to this story, so that these people can get the help that they need.  If this was anywhere else in the state of South Dakota they would have been helped long ago.
   
   
   PINE RIDGE, S.D. - Like the Northern Panhandle, the blizzard that hit the area late last Wednesday and Thursday knocked out the power to many on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Unfortunately, due to 10 and 20 foot drifts power has not been restored to many areas and people have not been able to get out of their homes to purchase food.
   
   According to Jeri Baker, with One Spirit a non-profit working on several reservations, many people are reported to be burning their furniture to stay warm.
   
   Baker said that because much of the reservation is very remote there are literally thousands of people they cannot reach who are freezing or starving right now.
   
   "This morning I talked with people out in Allen, just as one example, they still had 34 families that were without electricity and they had not gotten to."
   
   Even worse news is that it could still be several days before the power is restored.
   
   "A lot of places do have power now, but there are still those areas that do not," she said. "The last we heard, which was this morning (Wednesday), they were predicting that it could still be three to seven days before they get all the service back up."
   
   She said they have been able to get some of the supplies needed on the reservation to the people and Red Cross has helped, but more supplies - such as, blankets, firewood, food, water, kerosene lamps and oil, and propane - are needed.
   
   Baker said that swift and immediate action by other governmental agencies is needed in order to avert further disaster. She said that ONE Spirit has called on the South Dakota Office of Emergency Management to move into the area quickly and provide whatever services they can, but so far, their response appears to have been minimal.
   
   If anyone in the KCSR listening area can help with the situation on the reservation or make a donation, they can get in touch with Baker through the organization's website at nativeprogress.org or call John Dubray directly on the reservation at 605-441-5477

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2. great organization

   By sonda globalweb (Volunteer, Board Member, Client Served, Professional in the field, General public, Foundation Donor, Former Employee)

   just love that pro jet

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