On the 3rd week of January 2010, a fast moving snow and ice storm struck the 2.8 million acre Cheyenne River Reservation in central South Dakota knocking out over 3,000 power poles and denying electricity and water to 18 communities and 12,000 people. The Lakota people suffered for three weeks, in wind chill factors to -40 F, before power was restored, yet no federal emergency was declared. Amazingly, there was no loss of life as the Native people took care of each other - just as they have always done.

In a quick response to the crisis at Cheyenne River, Bush Foundation established a $50,000 challenge grant that was soon matched by Northwest Area Foundation. Native Americans in Philanthropy and the South Dakota Community Foundation collected $450,000 in donations, most in small amounts donated by thousands of concerned citizens across the nation. The proceeds were presented to the Tribal Council on April 1, 2010.

Following the presentations, Tribal Chairman Joe Brings Plenty drove the bus for a group tour of the Laplant and Green Grass tribal communities. A high point of the visit was a meeting with Lakota Spiritual Leader, Arvill Looking Horse, Keeper of the Sacred Pipe.

On April 2nd, another unexpected snow storm arrived at the Cheyenne River Reservation. Life goes on…