The outpouring of sympathy and support following the tragic loss of life on the Red Lake Reservation has prompted the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians to establish a charitable Recovery and Renewal Fund with the Northwest Minnesota Foundation in Bemidji. The fund will provide financial support to assist the people of the Red Lake Nation and others in the recovery process. Northwest Minnesota Foundation is contributing $25,000 to this fund.

Foundation president John Ostrem said the foundation has responded in the past to needs of communities affected by natural disasters by creating special funds. Flood funds helped the Roseau and Warroad communities recover following the floods of 2002. The tragedy at Red Lake impacted tribal and non-tribal community members and emphasized broader community and cultural needs. "We are aware of and support the special funds that have been established locally to help with the emergency needs of families," Ostrem said. "This Recovery and Renewal Fund will be different in that it will be a place for individuals or other foundations to contribute funds in support of long-term community needs."

Ostrem added that foundations from Minnesota and throughout the U.S. have contacted Northwest Minnesota Foundation to inquire about whether this type of fund had been established.

The purposes of the fund are to support immediate and long-term counseling for individuals or groups, to provide staffing and educational programs for violence prevention and for development and support of Indian cultural or heritage programs endorsed by the Tribe and approved by the Recovery and Renewal Fund Advisory Committee. Northwest Minnesota Foundation will administer and manage the fund.

Financial support to assist the people of Red Lake in their recovery from this tragedy and in the renewal of their community may be directed to:

Red Lake Recovery and Renewal Fund
c/o Northwest Minnesota Foundation
4225 Technology Drive NW
Bemidji, MN 56601

For more information, contact John Ostrem at 218.759.2057, or toll-free in Minnesota at 800.659.7859.