It's not just Emmonak that is struggling. It's the entire Yukon Delta. I live in Nunam Iqua, a village that is 25 miles south of Emmonak. Not only are we faced with the same issues as Emmonak but our crisis is harder because we no longer have a store here. Our trading post collapsed several months ago, so we have no place to get groceries.
So not only are we struggling between choosing heating fuel or food but we also have to spend even MORE MONEY to buy gas to travel upriver to Emmonak or Alakanuk to get food. Which is very expensive when you have pay $7.20 a gallon for gas. It takes at least 6 gallons of gas just to travel by snowmachine to Emmonak or Alakanuk to get groceries. That takes that much more money away from our budgets for heating fuel and food.
We try to reduce our heating fuel costs by using our wood stoves, but then are we really saving money? We still have to spend money on gas to gather wood for our stoves. Everyone, especially Gov. Palin, needs to realize that it's not just Emmonak residents who are suffering! We need help in all of the YK Delta villages!
I compiled a list of everyone here in Nunam Iqua. I spoke to every household and have a list of what is needed. I got permission for my Youth Center to receive/distribute any donations that come in. They can be mailed to:
Ann Strongheart
Nunam Iqua Program for Youth
c/o City of Nunam Iqua
101 Mudd Street
P.O. Box 26
Nunam Iqua, AK 99666
Or, if you would like to send boxes directly to needy families, I have a list of families including their family size and needs and their PO Boxes, You can email me at nunamiquayouth@yahoo.com if you would like a copy.
If you would prefer to send a check you can make it payable to City of Nunam Iqua (send to the above address).
Here is a list of things that are desperately needed, since we have no store here in Nunam Iqua we are really struggling to get food and groceries here.
Diapers Sizes 1, 3, & 6
Similac Advanced Formula Powder
Canned Evaporated Milk
Dry Powdered Milk
Powdered Eggs
Crackers (Sailor Boy Pilot Bread unsalted tops are the most used here)
Rice (minute rice)
Noodles
Peanut Butter
Honey
Jam
Juice
TOILET PAPER (everyone is running out)
Flour
Sugar
Coffee
Cereal
Crisco
Coffee Creamer
Pancake Mix
Tea
Canned Vegetables
Dried Fruit
Instant Soups
Ramen Noodles
Cup noodles
Just basic pantry staples. Even salt, pepper, etc.
Thank you in advance for any help you can provide. We greatly appreciate it. Again if you have any questions or what more information please feel free to contact me at nunamiquayouth@yahoo.com
I know there have been references to scams, so please feel free to look us up online. Nunam Iqua Program for Youth. I was featured on NAC, Native America Calling last year addressing underage drinking in the Bush. And we are listed with the State of AK as one of their grantees. So you can verify the mailing address and email address I provided.
Ann Strongheart is project director and supervisor of the Nunam Iqua Program for Youth.