Updated

An American Indian reservation in the Dakotas that has been hard hit by the nation's propane shortage is getting help from the Shakopee Mdewakanton (mehd-WAH'-kuh-tuhn) Sioux.

The Minnesota tribe that operates several enterprises including a casino and runs a charitable giving program is giving the Standing Rock Sioux $500,000 for propane.

As many as 5,000 homes on the reservation that straddles the North Dakota-South Dakota border rely on propane, and many residents can't afford the higher fuel prices tied to the shortage.

North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple issued a statement Monday saying the state also is offering help to the tribe.

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux also is giving $300,000 to the Yankton Sioux Tribe in South Dakota and $70,000 to the Santee Sioux Nation in Nebraska for propane.