"Since the exposure of tainted FEMA trailers in out tribal community, I have taken the "task" of alerting our tribal members of potential health hazards and other questionable issues our community members need to be aware of.

I know some tribal members may feel upset regarding the negative publicity surrounding the FEMA trailers accepted by our tribe. Some trailers may look fine and dandy, but in some, there are "hidden dangers." There could be water damage, faulty electrical, LP gas leakage, mold and other problems you cannot see with the naked eye. Please remember, alot of these trailers sat for five years or more without the required maintenance according to reports. These trailers need daily upkeep and inspection. The owners of these FEMA trailers need to check for gas leaks, water leaks and other problems. The tribe has given no awareness of these important factors to the recipients of these trailers that I am aware of. And I have asked quite a few people if they received any information regarding health and any other information of importance regarding these trailers. All of them said "no!"

As a concerned tribal member, I will continue to address the FEMA trailer issues. We have so many health problems today and they will only get worse because of these FEMA trailers donated to our tribe from the government. From my observation and reports I received, many of these trailers are in sub-standard conditions. I will be willing to go to Washington D.C. again and discuss important issues regarding our reservation. The FEMA trailer situation here on the reservation is a very important issue we need to address.

I know the government has to "honor" our treaty obligations per housing etc. But, is this the way to accept such obligations?"

Get the Story:
Delvin Cree: Trailers aren’t for living (The Minot Daily News 7/18)

Related Stories:
Logan Davis: FEMA trailers a benefit to Turtle Mountain Chippewa (7/15)
Delvin Cree: Turtle Mountain Band takes on toxic time bombs (6/21)