In The Native American Music Association (N.A.M.A.) 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. N.A.M.A. is also building a task force to assist in filing emergency applications for those most in need of heat and winter clothing on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Reservations.

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.

FACTS: The average income on the reservation is $3,500 per year and unemployment is at 85%. These are literally third world conditions here in the United States.

Here is a special note from N.A.M.A.’s founder Ellen Bello:

“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 at nativeamericanmusicawards.com and the Special Programs Page to make your donation now.

“In Unity,
Ellen Bello
NAMA President & Founder
212-228-8300”

And from BluesWax Founder Chip Eagle:

We are all in trouble these days, but we are all in this together. These are the neediest of our country. Even the smallest bit can make a huge difference to the most in need.

Please consider this urgent plea. We are all in this together.

Peace, Chip