Feb. 12, 2010 -
Thank you everyone. The initial crisis is over! Electricity is back on in Eagle Butte and surrounding communities.
I'd like to thank those who have helped spread the word, no one would have known without you!
This kind of situation has never-ever happened before on the reservation, even the elders were in shock. The power has gone out before, yes. However 2,000 utility poles have never dropped like dominos, forcing 14,000 modern residents to huddle for warmth around a gas stove for two weeks while polar winds whistled through the walls. Families and pets are still dealing with the after effects of carbon monoxide poisoning from the gas. And ice storms in particular "never" happen! Winter weather in this area is usually cold and dry, so dry that the snow blows and creates drifts, that's about it.
Historically, Native Americans living on the plains were nomads, following the animal herds (their food source) they moved south for the winter. This area in the north was their summer stomping grounds, winter was never a problem until boundaries were set and reservations were established. Check your local libraries or wikipedia for more history.
I know other communities across the states are also having a tough time, this winter has been hard on all Americans. I've even heard there was a blizzard in Texas! I just want to let everyone know how much we all have appreciated your help! As far as the major media coverage is concerned, it's amazing how far they go to ignore anything to do with the reservation. -- "I think that if we are to ever going to eliminate poverty in America, it will have to been done through the free enterprise system and certainly not by Government." --Walter Knott
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CRST 2010 Disaster Relief Information:
http://www.sioux.org/English/CRST_2010_Disaster_Relief.php
Official Press Release as of Jan. 31, 2010:
http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-401883
Jan. 29, 2010 -- I am still on location here on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in South Dakota. (The pictures play a little fast -I was short on time so you'll have to pause between pics if you want to see them better.) Electric is off still which means I have to start up the generator in order to get online. Not complaining, at least I have one. The water is deemed "un-drinkable" now, there are mobile water stations moving around the community delivering clean drinking water to families. Red Cross is delivering much needed supplies and water, and utility crews are diligently working at high speed, but at least 2,000 electrical poles are still laying in ruins in fields and ditches.
Now I would like to make it clear to everyone that the utility poles and power lines in this area are made for extreme cold "dry" weather and very high winds. The lines twist causing blowing snow to bounce off. But when it comes to ice it's a whole other story. That's why you can see the ice whipped around the lines like cotton candy. Ice build up has never been an issue up here before. I've talked with locals and they are still in shock over the damage, always telling me, "...in all the years I've lived here, I've never seen a winter like this before."
I would personally like to say thank you to everyone who has helped already. The utility crews workers, National Guard and out of state volunteers are doing an amazing job. I wish there was more I could do to say thank you, thank you, thank you!
We still need supplies and volunteers so if you feel called to help, please call the number below for more information. For help and information, call the CRST Emergency Coordination Center at For information and updates on how you can help, please call the CRST Emergency
Operations Center (EOC) at: (605) 964-1313 or (605) 964-1314
(CNN iReport) "Native American Disaster Overshadowed by Haiti" http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-400454
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5:20
the 28 days began that dayby Thegaytruckers1,400 views
That is some amazing stuff
VulcanBikeWizard 1 year ago
thank you to all who helped out!!!!
we people from Eagle Butte and
Cheyenne River apperciate you.
randy6335 2 years ago