30-01-2025
Cherokee Nation makes changes in disaster relief
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — The Cherokee Nation tribe aims to be on the front line in federal disaster relief by addressing key challenges, according to the tribe's recent disaster response task force report.
The task force issued a 21-page report outlining recommendations to improve emergency response.
The reason the tribe responds quicker and does more than many other governments is that the Cherokee Nation believes in teamwork across agencies, as evidenced by the task force, Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. said in a prepared statement.
'We are always willing to look at ourselves critically and find ways to improve,' Hoskin said. 'Disaster response and recovery never falls on one government, even one as adept as Cherokee Nation.'
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Among the task force's recommendations were:
Establish clearer authority and accountability for emergency response.
Defined quick timelines for issuing an emergency declaration.
Perform annual training simulations for key emergency response personnel.
Establish a perpetual disaster response fund.
The report states these measures will significantly enhance the nation's ability to protect its citizens and infrastructure in natural disasters by addressing these key challenges.
Hoskin said his cabinet and Council will work to evaluate and potentially implement the remainder of the task force's recommendations.
In a related effort to increase the tribe's services in disaster relief, Cherokee Nation entered into a historic agreement with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide trained response personnel to support FEMA's Supplemental Response Team Program during declared emergencies and disasters.
The landmark five-year agreement, signed on Jan. 15, is the first in Indian Country. FEMA will reimburse the Cherokee Nation for costs incurred during these operations.
The disaster relief team is comprised of seven Cherokee Nation Emergency Management employees, 15 Incident Management Team members, and 20 individuals who participate in search-and-rescue operations.
Hoskin proposed an amendment to the tribe's Emergency Management Act to create the 'Cherokee Nation Community and Citizen Emergency Response Fund.'
The proposed fund would begin at $1 million in the current fiscal year and build up to a cap of $5 million over time. The fund would mitigate individual and community losses due to disasters, such as loss of food, shelter, or other disaster-related economic impact, and purchase relevant equipment and supplies.
'Certainly, we have had emergency response funds in place for years,' said Deputy Chief Warner. 'But this proposal gives that funding more structure and helps us build up the funding over time.'
'When disaster strikes, the Cherokee people need assurances that funds are available to assist in recovery and that the funds will be distributed quickly,' said Council Deputy Speaker Kevin Easley Jr.
Cherokee Councilor Danny Callison, the measure's co-sponsor, said last spring's tornadoes tested the tribe's emergency response operations and revealed improvement opportunities.
The proposed legislation also provides that the tribes' new 'Gadugi Corps' disaster response volunteer network be 'activated' during a declared disaster to assist with response and recovery.
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