Mission accomplished! After more than 1,200 of you sent emails in a single day, the White House declared a public assistance disaster for the Oglala Sioux Tribe — a major victory for Pine Ridge.

This incredible news means that the Oglala will receive more than $10 million in support to rebuild public infrastructure like roads, water systems, and public housing. While it’s an extremely satisfying conclusion to months of hard work, we must not rest on our laurels.

LPLP’s flood relief efforts have been costly but well worth the investment. Your generosity now can provide for the crucial battles ahead. Please give today — and consider making a monthly contribution — as we gear up to defeat the Keystone XL pipeline and assist Pine Ridge’s full recovery.

At Pine Ridge, where 97 percent of people live below the poverty line, my role as public relations director for OST President Julian Bear Runner has given LPLP a new and powerful way to serve Lakota Country. As an officially-designated “Promise Zone,” Pine Ridge can apply for significant federal grant funding, but the tribe lacks the resources to do so. In addition to ensuring the FEMA process ends well, our Lakota Law team will help OST to optimize its Promise Zone opportunities.

Your ongoing friendship can also empower my colleagues, Phyllis Young and Madonna Thunder Hawk, at their home nations. Phyllis’ efforts to #GreenTheRez at Standing Rock are in full swing, and Madonna is organizing resistance to KXL at Cheyenne River.

Today, as we celebrate a great, shared victory, I ask that you stay with us and continue to pledge your support to our team so we can accomplish every critical goal we have for 2019 and the years to come.

Wopila Tanka — I can’t thank you enough for standing with Pine Ridge and LPLP!

Chase Iron Eyes
Lead Counsel
The Lakota People’s Law Project