May 2, 2019 | A delegation from the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference is preparing to respond to calls for help from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The Tribe remains in a state of emergency following heavy flooding in March.
“We have lost hundreds of miles of road and it is going to be a long rebuild,” said Chase Iron Eyes, Oglala Sioux Tribe Public Relations Director. “Some residents remain without access to potable water; many roads are impassable and remain blocked.”
OIMC churches have been collecting diapers, baby wipes, and baby formula. In mid-March, conference staff will deliver the donations directly to Oglala Sioux tribal leaders.
“We have seen firsthand the flood disaster areas on the reservation,” said the Rev. David Wilson, OIMC conference superintendent. “This disaster has impacted more than 1,500 people. The reservation is located in a remote, isolated part of the country and they are getting little coverage or support.”
Wilson delivered a $5,000 check on behalf of OIMC in March to help with immediate recovery efforts. He has been coordinating with Oglala Sioux Tribal leaders to identify other areas of need.
“We hope The United Methodist Church will continue to remember the people struggling on the Pine Ridge reservation through donations and work teams on a long-term basis,” he said.
In addition to churches, the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes donated $5,000 through OIMC to support relief efforts.
Donations will be accepted through May 10 at the OIMC office located at 602 SW 35th Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73109. Online donations may be made by visiting, www.umc-oimc.org/give-online. If OIMC churches need assistance with delivering items, they are asked to contact their district superintendents.
