NATIVE AMERICAN WOMEN'S HEALTH EDUCATION RESOURCE CENTER DESTROYED, VICTIM TO ARSON

After a devastating fire on December 20th, the Native American Women's Health Education Resource Center in Lake Andes, the heart and hub of their operations for the Yankton Sioux community, begins the task of rebuilding. The fire resulted in the loss of their physical office, equipment, documents, their community radio studio and the food pantry, as well as the archival photographs and taped interviews with tribal elders. The board wrote on their GoFundMe page that the meaningful memories that have been built there over the past 36 years remain intact. They are resolved to rebuild and will continue to provide nonstop services as much as possible. Temporary offices are being set up at the Women's Lodge Emergency Domestic Violence Shelter and at the old school building owned by the Yankton Sioux Tribe. Their hopes are to have the community radio station back up and running in early 2022. The shelter shared that they do have good insurance, but they are sure the costs will go beyond that coverage. They do not have business interruption insurance to pay employee salaries in the event of a disaster and construction costs and cost to replace contents of the building will exceed what insurance will pay. Over the next six months, they anticipate $250,000 in unexpected expenses to keep their doors open and to plan and undertake the next phase. The board would greatly appreciate any donation at any level at this time. Donations can be made on their Go Fund Me page or you may mail checks to: Native American Community Board, PO Box 572, Lake Andes, SD 57356. Donavon Sully of Lake Andes has been arrested and is being charged with first-degree arson, reckless burning and intentional damage to property. Photos by Carla Pesicka