Los Angeles, CA (Issues Wire / PRWEB) December 9, 2009 -- Award-winning disaster relief agency CAN-DO, as highlighted on Oprah’s Big Give, proudly announces the launch of their Ride for Lights Campaign to raise awareness and the funds needed to put an end to the abuses and human rights violations taking place today on the Crow Creek Reservation.
From December 13th-26th, Klein will ride alongside others to raise awareness and establish a fund for those devastated by overly inflated electricity bills in our Nation's poorest county. CAN-DO is putting out a urgent call to action to gain pledges for every mile Klein rides to help restore the rights - and lights - for the people of Crow Creek.
Klein will ride 330 miles in sub-zero temperatures while broadcasting LIVE on VirtualVolunteer.tv.
“Our Ride for Lights", is more than a fundraising campaign, it is a critical call to action to our nation and our nation’s leaders to put an immediate end to this cultural genocide that continues on our American soil,” said Eric Klein. “These abuses must stop and we must unite to build a better future for these communities that are at the heart of our American heritage. With annual incomes averaging less than $5,000 per household, this community knows suffering far beyond what most of us can image – that paired with having their power illegitimately shut off in sub-zero temperatures. We must address these unfathomable abuses.”
These abuses today mirror those that occurred on December 26, 1862 when 38 Dakota men were marched in single file to a scaffold guarded by 1,400 troops. The pull of a single lever ended the lives of 38 Dakota men, while a crowd of citizens witnessed the largest mass execution in the history of United States. In addition to the mass execution, 265 Dakota men were sent to Prison near Davenport Iowa while 1,300 Dakota men, women, and children were exiled to a concentration camp known today as The Crow Creek Reservation in South Dakota.
CAN-DO has continued to with the Crow Creek community to meet their immediate survival needs while promoting long-term sustainability, improved quality of life, and community revitalization through comprehensive, community-led solutions. Together, Brandon Sazue, Crow Creek Tribal Chairman, Peter Lengkeek and the Crow Creek Reservation in coordination with CAN-DO are working tirelessly to help bring the ongoing abuses to light and together have developed their Five Point Revitalization Plan focused on sustainable solutions to promote energy independence, economic development, and most importantly, cultural preservation.
CAN-DO’s Five Point Revitalization Plan was recently distributed at the White House Tribal Conference hosted by President Barack Obama. At the week long conference, Klein and Lengkeek presented the Crow Creek Revitalization Plan to more than 37 government leaders including members of the Senate, House of Representatives, and others.
In addition to these abuses brought to light by CAN-DO, just this week the Associated Press’ highlighted yet another blow the residents of Crow Creek. This past week, “The Internal Revenue Service on Thursday auctioned off a large swath of land owned by an impoverished Indian tribe to help pay off more than $3 million in back taxes, penalties and interest - a sale the tribe says is illegal under federal laws protecting Indian land. The 7,100 acres, or 11 square miles, of Crow Creek Sioux tribal land in central South Dakota sold for almost $2.6 million, less than the $4.6 million it was appraised at, said IRS spokeswoman Carrie Resch…The tribe filed a lawsuit Monday in U.S. District court in Pierre seeking to block the sale. Judge Roberto A. Lange declined their request but promised to schedule a trial to hear the tribe's arguments.”
Appalled by such continued abuse and neglect, US Marine and Crow Creek resident Peter Lengkeek has continued to take action to publicize this exploitation. Two years ago, using a hand-held video recorder, Lengkeek documented Central Electric physically cutting electricity lines and removing meters in the peak of winter and joined forces with CAN-DO.
“In the past, there have been people who have come to here to help, but have had ulterior motives, and nothing ever came of it,” said Peter Lengkeek. “CAN-DO is coming here and working beside us. They have given us a voice we've never had before. What I can see in the future is a beautiful community where people have their pride, respect and dignity…I can see self-reliance again. CAN-DO is providing hope in a place where there is no hope."
“Do not let these abuses continue on our own soil, take Peter’s lead and DO something,” stated Klein. “We can make a difference. We can make this right. Help put an end to these abuses. Make Human Rights a priority here at home.”
About CAN-DO:
Founded by Eric Klein, CAN-DO has set a new standard for humanitarian aid and is changing the face of philanthropy. CAN-DO's successful missions to bring immediate and direct relief to areas in need have captured the attention of renowned philanthropists including Oprah Winfrey and former president Bill Clinton. The organization was recently awarded the Global Compassion Award at the United Nations for its global impact, unparalleled transparency and accountability.
Video footage, photographs and the web site offer documentation of the organization's efforts at every phase. For further information, please visit www.can-do.org. To schedule media interviews or to get involved, please contact Alissa Sears of Christie Communications at 805-969-3744 or by email at alissa(at)christiecomm(dot)com.
Sign the online Petition:
http://www.petitiononline.com/CrowCrek/petition-sign.html
Live video from the horseback ride protest:
http://issueswire.com/releases/CAN-DO/CROWCREEK/prweb3310674.htm
More information on how you can help
http://twincities.indymedia.org/2009/dec/call-action-crow-creek-land-not-sale
Peace.
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