CLEARLAKE OAKS >> Residents of the Elem Indian Colony of Pomo Indians returned after evacuation to battle the Sulphur Fire in an effort to save the ceremonial roundhouses and cemetery, as well as 20,000 year old cremation pits.
While firefighters and the 26 tribal members who joined the effort managed to save several homes, the cemetery suffered damage from the flames.
“We are so blessed that no homes were lost, but we are deeply saddened to report that our cemetery was burned,” said Robert Geary, a local tribal member.
Residents are without electrical power for an uncertain period of time. Elders and people with special needs are currently housed in hotel rooms that were generously provided by the Robinson Rancheria of Pomo Indians and the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. Some are using the Tribal community center, but were without running water at last report.
Tribal Chairman Agustin Garcia previously issued a statement that Tribal leadership was working with the Lake County Tribal Health Consortium to provide water and respirator masks to members.
“Unless and until Mr. Garcia formally requests assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ fire safety crew, we cannot get any help from the federal government to make our reservation safer,” said Geary.
Tribal members are grateful for the amount of support they have received from other Tribal nations and local Clearlake individuals that have donated items such as food, clothes, a water tank, and a generator.
“We really feel blessed to see our neighboring tribes and Clearlake community support us,” stated Rose Brown, a local tribal member who has been assisting with the relief effort.
As residents of the Elem Indian Colony work to recover from the devastating effects of the fire, they are still in need of essential items. At the moment, they are requesting donations of gasoline for the generator, gas cards, money donations to purchase gasoline, garbage bins, extension cords, flood lights, aluminum trays, storage containers, zip lock bags, fresh fruit, propane, portable propane heaters, dried goods, and canned goods.
For more information or to donate in person, please contact Robert Geary at (707) 295-2981 or go to https://www.knwi.org/elem-relief for credit card donations. All donations received will go directly to assist the on-reservation residents of the Elem Indian Colony.
