Havasupais seek financial aid to rebuild

Havasupais seek financial aid to rebuild

by Betty Reid - Aug. 26, 2008 12:00 AM The Arizona Republic

The Havasupai Tribal Council is asking for help in the aftermath of a flash flood that damaged homes and washed away hiking trails Aug. 17 in northern Arizona.

Havasupai Vice Chairman Matthew Putesoy said Monday that tribal members have not determined the amount of damage the flood caused to the tiny tribe's economy, which relies heavily on tourists.

However, the northern Arizona nation has declared a state of emergency as an effort to get money needed to clean its community.

The flood destroyed a long stretch of the hiking trail that descends into the canyon. It also destroyed the skirting of many tribal members' homes. The flood resulting from a heavy downpour also prompted a helicopter rescue of campers and tourists from inside Havasu Canyon.

The council has assigned Ron Qualsula at native_fire1@yahoo.com to help collect donations. A disaster fund has been set up:

Wells Fargo Bank Arizona

Account 7089718444

330 East Beale St.

Kingman, AZ 86401.