Last week, a tornado devastated Lee County, Alabama, killing 23 people. Now, a Native American tribe is stepping up to ensure that the victims of this tragedy get the proper burials that they deserve.

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians has just made a donation of $184,000 to help pay for the funerals of the victims of the tornado. The tribe was originally going to split the cost of the memorials with an Alabama business that has not been identified. When the business dropped out of the agreement, however, the tribe increased their donation by $50,000.

“The Tribe is making a $184,000 donation to the East Alabama Medical Center Foundation to assist in the burial of the victims from last Sunday’s devastating tornado in Lee County, AL,” explained Stephanie A. Bryan, the Tribal Chair and CEO of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. “It is at times of greatest need that we often see our communities coming together to help one another – this is one of those times. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected.”

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is the only federally recognized Native American tribe in the state of Alabama, and it operates many businesses in the area. These businesses include various hotels and casinos, and the tribe is descended from the  original Creek Nation that once resided in Alabama and Georgia.

The tribe has never moved from their ancestral lands, and they have been in the area for around two hundred years. God bless them for making this generous donation to help the victims of this tragedy!