Flint, Michigan —The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians in Manistee, Michigan has donated $10,000 to the Genesee County sheriff’s office to assist in providing clean water to the residents of Flint, Michigan. Flint is currently under a state of emergency after local, state, and federal officials admitted there was lead contamination in the water.
On Tuesday, the Little River Band posted a statement on Facebook, saying “The Tribal Council yesterday authorized a contribution to the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office to assist with efforts to help the people of Flint with their water issues. Currently, the tribe has approximately 30 members who live in the area. Please add them to your prayers.”
Michigan’s 9and10 News reported the Little River Band “reiterated their commitment to addressing the importance of water quality and how it’s is the most critical party to the cycle of life.”
Anti-Media also reported this week on support for Flint from the Michigan chapter of international Muslim organization Who is Hussain? The organization pledged to donate 30,000 bottles of water.
“We saw what needed to be done and we decided to do it. We reached out to schools, neighbours, friends, mosques, anyone and everyone to help us by donating a case of water, or money towards a case,” Dr. Aziza Askari, head of the non-profit’s chapter told the Washington Times.
Both of these groups provide great examples of how community members can lend helping hands when the government fails.