CROW CREEK RESIDENTS CONTINUE TO SUFFER - ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! -CAN-DO.ORG 3/30/09

CAN-DO urgently needs your help to address the crisis on the Crow Creek Indian Reservation, the nations poorest county. Just this week, Central Electric Cooperative cut power on residents with only a two days notice, directly violating South Dakota Law, the company's policies of not doing winter disconnects, and the General Managers document commitment to work with the community to reach a solution. Can you imagine trying to survive when you are unable to work, have no means to support your family, and then have to live in sub-zero conditions with no power? The kicker is, the power is produced their own land! The Deal, when they built the Big Ben Damn, was that the residents would receive free electricity...that never happened, instead the residents of Crow Creek pay a 1/3 higher than anywhere in the State with an average income of under 5k.

This is blatant abuse and the destruction of a community. What people need to understand is that when a person gets their power cut, they not only lose their heat and lights, but they also lose their food and often times water because of broken pipes, costing the residents thousands of dollars in repairs. With no job opportunities, close to 80% of these residents go without income and are often denied government funding. When most families are forced to live on $25 per person per week in food stamps. Losing power is not only an inconvenience, its life threatening. These are unacceptable conditions and need our immediate attention. News agencies and government officials have turned their backs on these American citizens allowing these conditions to persist. Please write to the media and your representative to address this now!
ek

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[TrueWan07]

In 2002 when I was 14 years old, I can remember them cutting our power during winter. I let my sister who was pregant at the time sleep on my bed, with her other child, who was 4 at the time. We must have had like 30 blankets in the house lol. I remember acciedentally sitting on my brother not knowing he was under all those blankets.

I really apprieciate what you are doing for my reservation. It means a lot to the dakota people.

[djpoverty]

yeah i remember when shut us off back in 2001 right in the middle of jan two week after new years thank god for that wood stove we had

[Ahwahneechee]

Horrible conditions and I would guess the Tribe receives Social Services Grants from the State as well as our Rich Uncle Sam.

[mcfr23]

bring video's to washington dc of people with power cut off also contact the sothern poverty law center.

[tvicena]

i thought obama was for speading the wealth to the indians.how about a little heat first

[67GRC]

Because I'm not a US resident can someone explain something to me. I understand there was some sort of agreement regarding receiving free electric to the tribe so wouldn't it be prudent to chase up this agreement? Also, when was this agreement made? What year and by whom? Kudos on making people aware of this plight and keep up the good work.

[TrueWan07]

character count limit lol well my nefew is fine btw healthly 11 year old

[TrueWan07]

I got a light bill a few days ago that was 74 dollars for lasts months bill. They threatened to cut off our power, unless payment was recieved was near immediately. I litterally took a break off work and got there like 4 mins before they were gonna shut it off lol!

anyway if I didnt pay it, they would have shut it off and charged both this months and last months payment +disconnect, reconnect fee it would have been like 250$ to get it back on again....

[Dealz1988]

That was nice of you are they still doing these like that? How is your sisters baby?

[CJChalchaz]

Keep up the fight in the STRUGGLE Crow Creek. Contact your State Reps. For district 21

R-Thomas J. Deadrick 605-337-3999 Address 36696 275th st Platte, SD 57369

R-Cooper Garnos 605-895-2414 Address Po Box 119 Presho, SD 57568

R-Juhnke Kent 605-683-6661 Adress 29219 250th st Vivian, SD 57576

Gov. Mike Rounds 605-773-3212 Address Office of the Governor 500 E Capitol Ave Pierre, SD 57501

Let them know about this INJUSTICE carried out by Central Electric Cooperative..