An Early Thanksgiving to Support Water Defenders of Standing Rock

On November 6, hundreds of people attended the Mendo Stands with Standing Rock Teach-In, Cultural Ceremony and Fundraiser at the Redwood Valley Community Guild. Neighbors from across the county gathered to hear stories from activists who have been and support others that are going to Standing Rock and to hear about the struggles local tribes face with respect to desecration of sacred sites and disregard for water sources so similar to the issues in North Dakota and many places in the world.

One wall of the hall was stacked with donations of winter gear and medical supplies. Wonderful entrees were shared at a potluck feast. But, most heart warming and why we all cherish living in this blessed bio-region, is that our loving community cares so much that over $9,000 dollars was offered that evening! Our gratitude to Mother Earth, the water defenders and to each other spills over like the great abundance of this wet, fertile year.

Thanks to all who contributed to the feast, donated to the raffle and to the Redwood Valley Community Guild for co-sponsoring, helping set up and especially cleaning up and to the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians for their solidarity.

The Mendo Stands with Standing Rock Legal Defense and Emergency Fund is still accepting donations. This fund assists locals with travel costs, legal aid, emergencies, and to help other water defenders they meet in need. Administered by Cloud Forest Institute, PO Box 1435, Ukiah, CA 95482, www.cloudforest.org 100% goes to the fund and is tax deductible. Fund liaisons are Sara Grusky, homesteadingsara@gmail.com and Jen Burnstad, jen@cloudforest.org. Visit Mendo Stands for Standing Rock facebook page for updates.

Our heartfelt thanks to our community for this great outpouring of support.