Gary
Subject: E-Link: Lakota and Dakota People Die in Severe Storms
Sent: 2/10/97 4:12 AM
From: EnviroNews Service, newsdesk@envirolink.org
Date: Fri, 7 Feb 1997 17:06:08 -0700
From: ens@lnknet.com
To: newsdesk@envirolink.org
Subject: ENS story for Feb. 8 feed-Lakota, Dakota Die
LAKOTA, DAKOTA PEOPLE DIE IN SEVERE STORMS
FORT YATES, North Dakota, Feb. 7'97 (ENS) - The Lakota and Dakota native
people of the Standing Rock Sovereign Nation have declared a state of
emergency. An undetermined number of people have died as severe winter
storms continue to blast their reserve. They do not qualify for any form
of U.S. federal or state government disaster relief. The Red Cross has not
yet responded to their requests for help.
Germaine Tremmel, a descendent of Chief Henry Oscar One Bull, fifth
Generation of Chief Sitting Bull of the Hunkpapa Oyate, said today, "We
have encountered five times the [usual] snow accumulation with freezing
arctic winds below zero."
Tremmel blames the Clinton administration's budget cuts for the trouble
the tribe is experiencing withstanding these bitter winter conditions.
"There is inadequate insulation in houses. No fuel deliveries are able to
get through to the far rural areas of the reservation. Families are
stranded for food as it is many miles to get to the nearest grocery store.
Many are snowed under and have to tunnel out."
"We have lost numerous lives with this severe weather," Tremmel mourned.
"Some have been elders trying to stay warm in their homes. This last storm
took a mother, who has seven children that were here waiting for her to
return from work. The blizzard buried her car, killing her."
The Nation has issued an appeal for assistance in the form of propane, oil
and gasoline; heaters, either electric or gas; non-perishable foods,
blankets, coats, boots, thermal wear, caps, scarves and socks. Financial
assistance is also needed.
Contact the Joseph Walker Elder Treaty Council in Fort Yates at
701-854-5165
or Email: ishgooda@tdi.net
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