National organizations raise disaster relief funds

National organizations raise disaster relief funds  Email this page     Print this page Posted: September 06, 2005 by: Brenda Norrell / Indian Country Today Click to Enlarge PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY KRT/NURI VALLBONA/MIAMI HERALD -- LONG BEACH, Miss. - Stephanie Biggs of the City of Miami Urban Search and Rescue team takes a breather after searching for Hurricane Katrina survivors and bodies of the dead in an apartment complex in Long Beach, Miss., on Sept. 7. NCAI President Tex Hall has pledged funds to aid both federal and state-recognized tribes in the devastated areas, and many American Indian tribes and organizations are mobilizing funds, teams and supplies to send to the relief effort. NEW ORLEANS - As American Indian tribal members on the Gulf Coast seek refuge in their home communities, the National Indian Gaming Association and National Congress of American Indians are raising funds for Hurricane Katrina disaster relief.

NCAI President Tex Hall said all American Indian tribal members affected by the hurricane, including those from tribes that have not received federal recognition, would be assisted.

''Let me say that I have been gathering as much information as I can on what has happened down there in the Gulf Coast,'' Hall said.

''First of all, the hearts and prayers of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara people go out to all of those hurt by Hurricane Katrina.

''Second, no one, I repeat, no one is going to be forgotten on my watch. I have asked my staff at NCAI to find out who has been hit by the hurricane, how to get in touch with them, and how to send relief to them.''

Nedra Darling, BIA spokesman, said there are six federally recognized tribes located in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi who were impacted by the powerful storm.

The BIA said the Poarch Creek Band in Alabama, the Chitimacha Tribe, Coushatta Indian Tribe, Jena Band of Choctaw and Tunica-Biloxi Tribe in Louisiana, and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians in Mississippi, were impacted.

Hall responded immediately when tribal members questioned whether the United Houma Nation in southeastern Louisiana, the Mobile-Washington Band of Choctaw Indians north of Moblie, Ala., and others lacking federal recognition, would receive disaster relief funds.

Hall said, ''The hurricane didn't care who was federally recognized or not, and neither does NCAI. We are going to work to make sure that the money sent in to NCAI gets to all of the Indian victims down there as soon as humanly possible.''

With a goal of raising $1 million, NIGA began its fundraising with a $5,000 contribution to its relief fund. Indian tribes in the hurricane's path survived with minimal damage, but many Indian homes in the Gulf Coast region were without power, water and telephone service on Sept. 5.

''This is one of the worst tragedies in American history which demands our full-scale attention and concern as these regions begin rebuilding their lives, communities and economies out of the decimation that occurred earlier this week,'' said NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr.

NIGA is working with the Spirit of Sovereignty Foundation and coordinating with the NCAI.

''NIGA and our member tribes are absolutely committed to assisting in the relief effort and are asking all American Indian tribes to help in this dark hour. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the victims, the survivors and their families at this time,'' Stevens said.

''NCAI is gathering information on the areas of greatest need which will benefit the tribes who are dealing with refugee and disaster relief for both their members and others and will soon have an answer as to exactly where we will send the funds,'' Hall said.

Most of the tribes received only wind and rain damage.

However, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw's tribal government offices in Philadelphia, Miss., and several largely rural communities lay directly in the storm's path resulting in extensive physical damage and loss of telephone service and power, the BIA said.

Mississippi Choctaw Principal Chief Phillip Martin said that his tribe has been providing emergency shelter to tribal members and non-Indians at the tribe's casino hotel. Now, they will be moved to other areas as power returns.

''We're going to do everything we can to find a place for them,'' Martin said. ''But we have our hands full trying to get water and power back to the reservation. Clean water is of the greatest importance right now - because so much depends on it.''

Mississippi Choctaw tribal member Farrell Jerome Davidson said his mother reached him by text messaging from his home community of Tucker, Miss. He said telephone land lines were still out on Labor Day.

Davidson said electric power was restored, but there was no running water in the tribal community.

Still, he said the community is resilient, with family members and community members looking out for one another.

''When it comes to help, the door is always open.''

Remembering Hurricane Andrew and other storms which wrecked tribal communities and leveled trees, Davidson said, ''It was like a lawnmower going through.''

American Indian tribes across the nation continued to send aid the week after the hurricane. The Gros Ventre and Assiniboine tribe of Fort Belknap in Montana said it will donate meat from at least 10 bison from its herd.

Interior Associate Deputy Secretary James E. Cason said the BIA has undertaken its initial response, according to a statement released Sept. 1.

''Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims of this devastating event and their families,'' Cason said. He said the BIA and other Interior agencies are working with Indian communities to meet their public safety, emergency access and emergency services needs.

The BIA's Eastern Regional Office, headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., and Choctaw Agency in Philadelphia, are coordinating their recovery efforts with the Mississippi Choctaw tribal government.

The BIA's relief efforts include arranging for fresh water to be trucked in from Arkansas, utilizing agency road equipment to help clear debris from roadways, exploring ways to bring in supplies of ice, fuel and food. The BIA is also assigning law enforcement personnel to protect lives and property.

BIA Law Enforcement Services personnel arrived at the Mississippi Choctaw tribal headquarters shortly after midnight on Aug. 30 with a mobile command vehicle and Emergency Response Task Force to assist Choctaw police with their recovery efforts, the BIA said. Downed trees and power lines slowed their access to tribal communities.

Currently, the BIA is accessing requests from affected tribes for financial assistance.

NCAI donations can be sent to National Congress of American Indians, Hurricane Relief, 1301 Connecticut Ave. N.W., Suite 200, Washington, DC 20036.

NIGA donations may be made to the Spirit of Sovereignty Foundation, attn: Hurricane Katrina Fund, 224 Second St. S.E., Washington, DC 20003. For more information, contact Suzette Brewer at 202-548-3817 or e-mail to sbrewer@indiangaming.org.