tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91336749696214679342024-03-21T13:56:24.728-07:00Four Directions Gustav BlogA Gustav relief blog from the Four Directions Solidarity Network. Visit www.eswn.orgNaomi Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00392686156819878789noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133674969621467934.post-22401223772915554572008-09-05T15:23:00.000-07:002008-09-06T15:28:20.973-07:00Pointe-au-Chien Indian Tribe and Isle de Jean Charles Band of Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw Take Direct Hit From Gustav Eyewall<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWmhTAMccUl5OrjSlYuz_GJ4Lphn-rWy_hyphenhyphenMg-DnnO-kqMxryb_VJ0Ai4Oqf71FWyf0OVRXdV72y0GZE1Tv217REb7neuIwQzk7_ZEAXIk4RciWuJ5UPPeqqM9-0hWSC3jA7TgcAEqDHDF/s1600-h/indianland.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWmhTAMccUl5OrjSlYuz_GJ4Lphn-rWy_hyphenhyphenMg-DnnO-kqMxryb_VJ0Ai4Oqf71FWyf0OVRXdV72y0GZE1Tv217REb7neuIwQzk7_ZEAXIk4RciWuJ5UPPeqqM9-0hWSC3jA7TgcAEqDHDF/s320/indianland.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242668179750650514" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Four Directions Solidarity Network</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">ACTION ALERT- HURRICANE GUSTAV</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">For Immediate Release: Friday, September 05, 2008</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><a href="http://www.eswn.org/">www.eswn.org</a><br /><a href="http://www.eswngustav.blogspot.com/">www.eswngustav.blogspot.com</a><br /><br />Contact: Naomi Archer 828-230-1404 or fourdirections@riseup.net<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />URGENT HELP NEEDED FOR HURRICANE GUSTAV SURVIVORS</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Pointe-au-Chien Indian Tribe and Isle de Jean Charles Band of Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw Take Direct Hit From Gustav Eyewall</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">THE SITUATION</span><br />Despite the rosy media reports of light damage from Hurricane Gustav, several of southern Lousiana’s coastal Indigenous communities are reeling from a direct hit by Hurricane Gustav’s 115mph winds and large storm surge. Their communities lie in shambles.<br /><br />The communities of lower Pointe-au-Chien, home of the Pointe-au-Chien Indian Tribe (PACIT), and the Isle de Jean Charles (“The Island”) Band of the Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw Confederation of Muskogees (BCCM) are still trying to assess the severe damage and what it will take to rebuild after Gustav’s devastating winds and storm-surge flooded homes, knocked buildings off their foundations, and decimated the primary source of income in the early season commercial shrimp harvest. The Island is still inaccessible due to prevailing flood waters. ( the most recent update from community leaders follows this action alert)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">PLEASE TAKE ACTION NOW</span><br />Please assist these communities in their time of need! These communities, historically underserved and ignored, are asking for urgent donations of the following items:<br /><br />+ Clean fresh water<br />+ Gas powered generators<br />+ Nonperishable and ready-made food items<br />+ Fans and window unit air conditioners<br />+ Gas powered pressure washers<br />+ Cleaning supplies including bleach, scrub brushes, towels, and rubber gloves<br />+ Tarps<br />+ Building supplies which can be donated via Home Depot and Lowes Gift Cards<br />+ Hygiene products, diapers, wipes, and baby formula<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Donations can be sent directly to:</span><br />PACIT and IJC BCCM<br />c/o Chief Albert Naquin<br />100 Dennis Street<br />Montegut, LA 70377<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">COMMUNITIES CONTACT</span><br />Patty Ferguson - Tribal Attorney, Pointe-au-Chien Indian Tribe<br />480-425-2637 Ferguson@SacksTierney.com<br /><br />Charles Verdin - Chairman, Pointe-au-Chien Indian Tribe<br />(985) 856-5336 verdin1504@yahoo.com<br /><br />Albert Naquin - Chief, Isle de Jean Charles Band of the Biloxi-Chitimacha<br />(985) 232-1286 whitebuffaloa@netscape.net<br /><br />Four Directions Solidarity Network is also accepting donations of relief aid and volunteer assistance which will be provided to the effected communities. We worked closely with the coastal Indigenous tribes following hurricanes Katrina and Rita and have been invited to do so now.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">FOUR DIRECTIONS SOLIDARITY NETWORK CONTACT</span><br />Naomi Archer – Coordinator<br />828-230-1404 fourdirections@riseup.net<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">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 community-led ‘free’ stores, and contributed over 5000+ volunteer hours in the community. We maintain a policy of free and equal distribution of storm aid to any person in need within the affected area regardless of race, ethnicity or tribal affiliation. Visit our website at www.eswn.org</span><br />-------------<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pointe-au-Chien Indian Community Damage Report</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">September 3, 2008</span><br /><br />Second Chairman Donald Dardar and Chairman Charles "Chuckie" Verdin have traveled through the Pointe-au-Chien Indian Community documenting visible damage to each home. The assessment is not good. Tribal leaders report that the damage to the Pointe-au-Chien Indian Community by Hurricane Gustav is worse than the damage caused by Rita and Katrina in 2005. Almost every house in lower Pointe-au-Chien has water (from flooding and/or wind damage) and/or wind damage. Some houses are totally destroyed; some homes were moved or pushed off of their blocks by the wind/rain. Our tribal building fell off of the blocks and many resources within the building were destroyed. Thankfully, the two houses built by the Mennonite Disaster Service after the 2005 hurricane season withstood the storm.<br /><br />It appears that the Pointe-au-Chien Indian Community, not protected by a levee, received a huge onslaught of water and mud that rushed in and, perhaps rushed out, causing houses to be pushed, picked up, and moved. As of today, the pumps in lower Pointe-au-Chien were still pumping water out of the community. Tribal leaders have been in contact with the neighboring Indian community, Isle a Jean Charles Band of Biloxi-Chitimacha. Chief Naquin of Isle a Jean Charles has reported that the Island is still under water because the pumps failed.<br /><br />Tribal members would like to start cleaning up, but there is no water in the Community to allow for tribal members to begin the clean up process. It is unknown when water or power might be available. Lafourche Parish was working today to clear the mud off of Oak Pointe Road to make the road passable. Tribal leaders expect most tribal members to return to asses the damage to their homes by Saturday.<br /><br />Further complicating the situation, Second Chairman Donald Dardar believes that the local fishermen, who rely on the shrimping season, will not have that source of income this season. Price's Factor owned by tribal member, Price Billiot and other factories in Terrebonne Parish were impacted by Gustav.<br /><br />Other tribal members living in upper Pointe-aux-Chenes, Montegut, and Bourg also received wind damage from the storm.<br /><br />An initial assessment reveals that tribal members need water, generators, fans, cleaning supplies, towels, tarps, building supplies, window units, hygiene products, diapers, formula, and nonperishable food items. WE ALSO NEED A LEVEE!Naomi Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00392686156819878789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133674969621467934.post-59939023780246220942008-09-02T15:06:00.000-07:002008-09-02T15:15:12.705-07:00Tuesday Sept 2 Update<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQoqVLhiBMzIC5DL809VygyC6_OTqiXq1iEuP-gyHMqFWrkzwt9HOJqD_Y8sZR0A7a6dyYpXtrZYH4qg45b8pyFFe_xor5qpBXjnsrl6XTl4CObmrsWdsRm0gOerw7ASobVitt1ezSoiH/s1600-h/montegutemilyschwarze.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQoqVLhiBMzIC5DL809VygyC6_OTqiXq1iEuP-gyHMqFWrkzwt9HOJqD_Y8sZR0A7a6dyYpXtrZYH4qg45b8pyFFe_xor5qpBXjnsrl6XTl4CObmrsWdsRm0gOerw7ASobVitt1ezSoiH/s320/montegutemilyschwarze.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241549748718808418" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Four Directions Solidarity Network</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Hurricane Gustav Advisory #2</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">For Immediate Release: Tuesday, September 02, 2008</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Contact: Naomi Archer 828-230-1404 or fourdirections@riseup.net</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">DAMAGE REPORTS SLOW TO COME IN FROM LOWER BAYOU COMMUNITIES</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">REMINDER OF RELIEF EQUITY AMONG INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">DAMAGE REPORTS</span><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">REMINDER OF RELIEF EQUITY AMONG INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES</span><br />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:<br /><ul><li>Pointe-au-Chien Indian Tribe (PACIT)</li></ul><ul><li>Bayou Lafourche, Isle Jean Charles, and Grand Caillou/Dulac bands of the Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw Confederation of Muskogees (BCCM)</li></ul><ul><li>United Houma Nation (UHN)</li></ul><ul><li>Chitimacha Tribe in Charenton north of Morgan City. </li></ul><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">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.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">DONATIONS</span><br />We continue to create an inventory of needed items that will be posted to our website (<a href="http://www.eswn.org">www.eswn.org</a>)and Gustav blog (<a href="http://www.eswngustav.blogspot.com">www.eswngustav.blogspot.com</a>). 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.<br /><br />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:<br /><a href="https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/ExpressDonation.aspx?ORGID2=770480093">https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/ExpressDonation.aspx?ORGID2=770480093</a><br />**You must designate Four Directions Solidarity Network as the intended recipient on the form.<br /><br />Interested volunteers and other donors may contact Naomi Archer at 828-230-1404. or by email to fourdirections@riseup.net<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">WHO WE ARE</span><br />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 <a href="http://www.eswn.org">www.eswn.org</a>Naomi Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00392686156819878789noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9133674969621467934.post-78170689382534358302008-09-01T08:25:00.000-07:002008-09-01T09:05:48.531-07:00Hurricane Gustav Advisory: Landfall, 11:00 am Monday, September 01, 2008<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Yers6TpE_Uui1pjL4ErWCJ6HYcvW0DUh-342_ehfzBKyERWvGb-lhKBueq53mgfYAWq4GOr2_bvjTfFVHRaGov5LLcsOOSSom1yMVZ3-Sc74G_60b86UNgs4qjj3HftdTqmJCbnXrAy5/s1600-h/at200807_sat.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Yers6TpE_Uui1pjL4ErWCJ6HYcvW0DUh-342_ehfzBKyERWvGb-lhKBueq53mgfYAWq4GOr2_bvjTfFVHRaGov5LLcsOOSSom1yMVZ3-Sc74G_60b86UNgs4qjj3HftdTqmJCbnXrAy5/s320/at200807_sat.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241081413122152306" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" ><br /><br />CATEGORY 2 GUSTAV MAKES LANDFALL ON COASTAL INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-weight: bold;">UPDATE</span><br />Hurricane Gustav has just made landfall near Cocodrie, LA and the eyewall has passed through most of the coastal Indigenous communities including Pointe-au-Chien, Isle de Jean Charles, Chauvin, Grand Calliou-Dulac, Dularge and Bayou Loforche. Our reports indicate many of the residents of this area have evacuated. We have been and are making further communication with our contacts in this area.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-weight: bold;">EXPECTED IMPACTS</span><br />The hurricane made landfall as a very strong Category 2 storm with sustained winds of 110mph and higher gusts. Wind speeds of this magnitude can cause considerable roof damage, uproot trees and overturn and destroy single-wide mobile homes, and cause permanent homes to shift off foundation.<br /><br />A storm surge of 10 to 14 feet above normal tidal levels is expected as Gustav crosses the coast. The area of landfall is very low and is prone to heavy flooding and many structures will sustain heavy water/mud damage.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-weight: bold;">OUR STATUS</span><br />Four Directions is monitoring the situation and preparing a First Response Team to go in and help in assessing the damage. We will begin to request certain resources within 24 hours and hope to have a complete inventory of needed items within 3-5 days. <span style="font-style: italic;">We are seeking 2-3 volunteers with first responder experience to assist us in this phase of operations. </span>Contact Naomi Archer at 828-230-1404 for more information.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-weight: bold;">DONATE</span><br />Secure monetary donations can be made through Cloud Forest Institute (our fiscal sponsor) at this website:<br /><a href="https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/ExpressDonation.aspx?ORGID2=770480093">https://www.networkforgood.org/donation/ExpressDonation.aspx?ORGID2=770480093</a><br />**You must designate Four Directions Solidarity Network as the intended recipient on the form.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-weight: bold;">FOR MORE INFORMATION</span><br />For more information, please visit our website at <a href="http://www.eswn.org/">www.eswn.org</a>. If the website has crashed due to too much traffic, please visit our internet blog at <a href="http://www.eswngustav.blogspot.com/">www.eswngustav.blogspot.com</a>.Naomi Archerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00392686156819878789noreply@blogger.com0