Tuesday Sept 2 Update

Four Directions Solidarity Network
Hurricane Gustav Advisory #2
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, September 02, 2008

Contact: Naomi Archer 828-230-1404 or fourdirections@riseup.net

DAMAGE REPORTS SLOW TO COME IN FROM LOWER BAYOU COMMUNITIES
REMINDER OF RELIEF EQUITY AMONG INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES

DAMAGE REPORTS
Category 2 Hurricane Gustav made landfall yesterday with 110mph winds near Cocodrie, LA. The coastal Indigenous communities including Pointe-au-Chien, Isle de Jean Charles, Chauvin, lower Montegut, Grand Calliou-Dulac including Shrimper's Row, Dularge and Bayou Lafourche were all impacted by the storm.

We do know large trees are down and some considerable structural damage has occurred in Montegut, Chauvin, and Bobtown. Information remains sketchy for places like lower Pointe-au-Chien, Isle de Jean Charles, Grand Caillou/Dulac and Dularge where downed powerlines, trees and some flooding are preventing a full assessment. Tribal leaders are hoping for a report back today or early tomorrow from some of these areas.

REMINDER OF RELIEF EQUITY AMONG INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES
While the United Houma Nation is the most well known Indigenous group, the bayou communities of Southern Lousiana are actually represented by six Indigenous tribes/bands as well as individuals from several other Indigenous nations. They six are:

• Pointe-au-Chien Indian Tribe (PACIT)

• Bayou Lafourche, Isle Jean Charles, and Grand Caillou/Dulac bands of the Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw Confederation of Muskogees (BCCM)

• United Houma Nation (UHN)

• Chitimacha Tribe in Charenton north of Morgan City.

Four Directions is committed to ensuring equal relief assistance to all Indigenous people that are in need,and reaffirm our policy of free and equal distribution of storm aid to any person in need within the area regardless of race, ethnicity or tribal affiliation. We encourage those interesting in donating relief to ensure lesser known groups also receive enough assistance.

DONATIONS
We continue to create an inventory of needed items that will be posted to our website (www.eswn.org)and Gustav blog (www.eswngustav.blogspot.com). Initially, we anticipate the need for clean fresh water, healthy food that does not require cooking, and some basic medical resources followed by home repair supplies. Gift cards to Home Depot and Lowes are always helpful. A mailing address will be added ASAP.

We are seeking additional operating funds and a fund for relief supplies. Secure monetary donations can be made through Cloud Forest Institute (our fiscal sponsor) at this website:
https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/ExpressDonation.aspx?ORGID2=770480093
**You must designate Four Directions Solidarity Network as the intended recipient on the form.

Interested volunteers and other donors may contact Naomi Archer at 828-230-1404. or by email to fourdirections@riseup.net

WHO WE ARE
Four Directions Solidarity Network brings native and non-native people together to work respectfully with Indigenous communities to solve problems and preserve culture through times of hardship and change. In the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Four Directions facilitated more than 75 tons of food and material aid, 26 large and small appliances; 30 classroom teaching kits to the most damaged elementary schools, collected 4 tons of trash, organized two ‘free’ stores, and contributed over 5000+ volunteer hours in the community. Visit our website at www.eswn.org