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www.ireport.com The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe reservation lies in the northwest area of South Dakota, covering nearly 2.8 million acres of land, which houses approximately 9000 tribal members and non-Indian residents. With an average unemployment rate of at least 70%, rising crime rates, and only 11 tribal police officers, a widespread community of family, friends, and strangers came together during two months of crisis when the nation around them failed to acknowledge their plight. On December 24, 2009, the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe reservation endured snowdrifts more than 30 feet high. The already decaying roads were soon impassible and supplies were taken to tribal members in outlying areas by snowmobiles. January 21st began as many other days but soon erupted into a state of emergency for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe that would appear impossible to escape. After two days of blinding snow and heavy ice, thousands plummeted into darkness and sub-zero temperatures and EMS services hurriedly transported dozens of dialysis patients to Rapid City, South Dakota, nearly three hours away in the best of conditions. Nearly ten thousand electrical poles lie splintered from the weight of the ice and snow and for weeks, just as many members of the reservation survived without food, water, medical supplies, or transportation. True to the nature of the people, not one person was lost during these two storms although next time, they might not be quite as fortunate if help is not …