Rosebud and Pine Ridge still in need of emergency assistance

Native American Music Awards joining relief efforts

By Robin Carneen
November 17, 2008

People of Rosebud & Pine Ridge Reservations in Need of Emergency Assistance Following Severe Blizzard & Weather Conditions

Children, Elderly, Disabled, and Sick In Need of Heat and Winter Necessities

"About 60% of the Elders on Pine Ridge have sole custody of their grandchildren or great-grandchildren so there are often small children in the home, also at risk."

NAMA Committed to Assisting Throughout Winter Season

The Native American Music Association, N.A.M.A., a non profit 501(c)(3), (Fed Id# 13-4032761) is heeding the requests of NAMAPAAH Radio and is joining in the effort to provide emergency clothing, and heating/utility assistance for the Elders, children, the disabled, and the sick on the Rosebud & Pine Ridge Reservations in South Dakota throughout this Winter season. N.A.M.A. is calling upon its international membership to make a donation in which ALL funds will go directly to providing clothing to local churches and schools on the Reservations as well as emergency heating/utility assistance determined by the application process of the Link Center Foundation's primary program. N.A.M.A. is also building a task force consisting of Winners, Nominees & Volunteer Staff in South Dakota to assist in filing emergency applications for those most in need of heat and Winter clothing on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Reservations.

The current goal is to raise over $15,000.00 in donations which will provide all current application approved households with several weeks of emergency propane and winter clothing. Fuel vendors will be paid directly. A list of fuel vendors is available for those interested. Additionally, an open line of communication is available with Propane companies in the event they refer an emergency recipient, i.g, , Lakota Plains Propane Co. on Pine Ridge. Assistance is provided in the order applications are received or in cases of dire or life-threatening emergencies which then take precedence. Propane is currently running about $2.20 to $2.50 per gallon. Fuel costs have risen about 33% in the last year. The various propane companies are requiring $120-$150 minimum purchase per delivery.

Sadly, some of the elders in the back country (many of whom take care of their grandchildren) don't get into towns or local CAP offices and often miss out on obtaining emergency applications or even knowing about them. We can be of help to them!!! And most importantly, we want to be assured that the assistance goes directly to those most in need.

While need is everywhere, particularly at this time of crisis, there are no greater needs than those of the Elders, children, disabled, and ill on these reservations. They have the lowest income, the least ability to gain funds, and often suffer from such serious health issues as to be severely impaired by the cold. Even worse, for the most part, they are the least able to travel to get assistance or to get someplace that might be warm. Moreover, according to the last Federal census, about 60% of the Elders on Pine Ridge have sole custody of their grandchildren or great-grandchildren so there are often small children in the home, also at risk.

We are depending on YOU, the individual donor, to help us help these families in crisis. DONATE NOW through N.A.M.A.'s website.

FACTS: Average income on the Oglala Lakota Sioux Pine Ridge Reservation is about $3,500.00 per YEAR. Jobs are extremely scarce; unemployment hovers around 85% on this 11,000-square-mile reservation which houses about 40,000 people. The other Lakota Reservations face similar economic conditions.

Death by hypothermia is always a concern on the reservations. Each winter (October – March), temperatures drop well below 0*F. Many families must choose between food and heat. In some cases, they have neither.

Federal LHEAP and Tribal Assistance Programs offer each low-income family approximately $300 per year. With the current rate of propane at $2.20 per gallon, this provides only 136 gallons – about enough fuel for 2 to 4 weeks (depending on the harsh weather).

For more information on the LCF Elder heating/utility application process, feel free to visit the Link Center Foundation, www.linkcenterfoundation.org.

A list of ministries, churches and schools to directly send clothing, blankets, boots, etc is available by request via email; Nammys@aol.com

Let's help ASAP. It is just unacceptable to have third world country conditions in the middle of America! We need to help them not only during this crisis, but throughout the entire Winter Season.

NAMA's Ellen Bello told Censored News, "NAMA is working on putting together a direct task force of local muscians nominees staff from the area to deliver to those most in need." Bello said propane companies can be paid directly. She also called for clothing and blanket donations.

Please make a donation by clicking the donate button on the Native American Music Awards' website, "Special Programs" page.

Media References:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/NAMAPAHH_Radio

http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/ By Kayla Gahagan, Journal Staff November 9th, 2008

www.NDNnews.com by: Tamra Brennan November 15th, 2008

NOTE FROM NAMA'S FOUNDER
The Native American Music Awards & Association would like to assist those on Pine Ridge & Rosebud with their winter crisis.
The inspiration for our entire organization, was given to us by the youth on Rosebud and Pine Ridge over 12 years ago. We are well aware of the difficulties and conditions facing those on Pine Ridge and Rosebud and it would be a wonderful effort for myself and our organization to come full circle and assist those there that are most in need. Not only in this crisis - but on a continuing basis.
It just amazes me at times that the mainstream or others throughout the world do not realize we still have third world country conditions existing in the middle of America. Without Rosebud or Pine Ridge, there would be no NAMMYS today, and it is imperative that we make others aware of the hardships the Lakota face.
We believe we have secured the best possible methods to offer the most direct assistance and reach those most in need, whether its money, diapers, toys, food, water, etc.
We look forward to your assistance. Visit our website
http://www.nativeamericanmusicawards.com/ the Special Programs Page to make your donation now.
In Unity,
Ellen Bello
NAMA President & Founder212 228 8300