TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — During a recent visit to Anchorage to meet with the Alaskan Federation of Natives, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. pledged $25,000 in support of the Red Cross’ rescue and relief efforts in Alaska.
“We are proud to once again lend our support to our great partner, the American Red Cross, by contributing to the lifesaving efforts underway in western Alaska,” said Chief Hoskin. “The devastation from the remnants of Typhoon Halong will be felt for years by residents of impacted Native Alaskan villages. I encourage all who are able to assist to please join us in helping those affected during this great time of need.”
The Cherokee Nation and American Red Cross have a long history of working together toward shared goals. The tribe continually provides support for the nonprofit’s lifesaving services and vital programs.
“As Cherokees, we have long-held traditions of coming together and helping others, but especially in times of tragedy or catastrophes such as this,” said Cherokee Nation Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner. “Our word for it is Gadugi, which at its core is all of us working together and supporting one another. It is an honor to join the American Red Cross in bringing those values and traditions to the people and communities devastated by Typhoon Halong.”
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families — helping more than 25,000 people each day.
“The Council is extraordinarily supportive of joining the Red Cross and other community partners in the incredible effort currently underway to alleviate suffering and provide relief in the aftermath of Typhoon Halong,” said Cherokee Nation Speaker of the Council Johnny Jack Kidwell. “It is our hope that others will join us and send support to the thousands of people in Alaska who lost everything and are currently unable to return to their villages.”
As longtime supporters of the Red Cross and its mission to prevent and alleviate suffering in the face of emergencies, Cherokee Nation and its businesses continually contribute funds to the nonprofit’s planned, community-specific services and educational programming, as well as support the emergency services it provides such as disaster relief, displacement assistance and emergency supply deliveries.
“Every eight minutes, the Red Cross helps someone affected by a disaster. It's donations like this gift from Cherokee Nation that support nearly 100% of those relief efforts,” said Brian Jensen, Chief Operations Officer for the Red Cross Kansas and Oklahoma Region. “We're grateful for their continued commitment to helping people affected by disasters big and small, whether those disasters happen here or thousands of miles away."
The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. To join Cherokee Nation in supporting the lifesaving efforts of the American Red Cross, please visit RedCross.org.