Looming "Starvation Winter" Could Destroy Their Livestock

Washington, D.C. - January 25, 2012 - After being drastically affected by a drought-caused land fire, the Blackfeet Nation respectfully requests for the National Indian Gaming Association and its tribal membership take an active role in assisting the Blackfeet Nation.

The tribe was impacted by a catastrophic fire fueled by drought conditions and winds gusting upwards of 70 mph. This resulted in approximately a 20 mile long fire line with 18,000 acres being burned at a time when winter with all its fury is now upon them.

On January 4, 2012 in the dead of night two major grass fires bore down on the town of Browning, Montana which is located on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. The fire source is suspected to be downed power lines due to the high winds. The fire displaced many families and caused extensive smoke damage to other homes and personal property.  The structures that were lost provided income to numerous ranchers and farmers on the Reservation. Weather conditions in the area are expected to drop to twenty to forty below in the coming weeks. These frigid temperatures coupled with the absence of feed for animal stock could result in a "starvation winter" for our horses and cattle.

The Blackfeet Tribal government is respectfully requesting financial assistance for those who lost homes, structures, fencing, grazing lands, and feed.  The fire is described as the largest and most destructive fire in the history of the Blackfeet Nation and in the surrounding counties.  The Blackfeet Nation is still struggling to recover from two wildfires that eliminated vast amounts of prized timber destined for sale and the spring floods that swept across the Blackfeet Nation in 2011.

If you are interested in donating a financial contribution, or providing assistance, NIGA is graciously providing a list of direct contacts for the Blackfeet Nation.



*Blackfeet Tribe, Blackfeet Indian Reservation:

640 All Chiefs Park

P.O. Box 850

Browning, Montana  59417



Contact for Blackfeet Fire Victim Relief:

Nora Kennedy - (406) 338-2481 or (406) 229-037

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or

Mary Wilson - (406) 338-7179

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