Meskwaki Nation Issues Statement After Disaster Assistance Request Receives Approval

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 11, 2020

Meskwaki Nation Issues Statement After Disaster Assistance Request Receives Approval

(Tama, IA) Sac & Fox Tribe of the MIssissippi in Iowa Tribal Chairwoman Judith Bender released the following statement in response to the federal government’s approval of the tribe’s disaster declaration request in the aftermath of the derecho storms.

On August 10, 2020, without warning, a unique storm known by meteorologists as a ‘derecho’ descended upon Meskwaki Nation carrying winds in excess of 109 mph, causing major damage to tribal owned homes, businesses and critical infrastructure. Many public facilities such as the school, tribal center, travel-plaza, public works/police station, medical clinic and other tribal operations buildings were also damaged. In response, the Meskwaki Nation activated its tribal emergency operations planning, exhausting local capabilities and resources. Today, we thank President Donald J. Trump and the Federal Emergency Management Agency for approving the tribe’s request for assistance that will help the tribal community with our recovery from this devastating natural disaster.”