In a significant move to bolster its emergency preparedness, the Caddo Nation participated in a high-level meeting with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials and attended the annual Inter-Tribal Emergency Management Coalition (ITEMC) conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma, this week.
FEMA Meeting Highlights Tribal Needs
Caddo Nation representatives met with key FEMA officials, including the Assistant Director from Washington, D.C., and Tony Robinson, the Regional Director of FEMA Region Six. The meeting focused on strengthening partnerships and addressing the specific emergency management needs of the Caddo Nation.
A notable attendee was Kelby, a member of the Choctaw Nation and FEMA's first tribal representative, underscoring the agency's commitment to tribal engagement. Dempsey Craft, the tribal liaison for FEMA Region Six, was also present to facilitate discussions.
ITEMC Conference Draws Hundreds
The ITEMC conference, of which the Caddo Nation is a founding member, attracted 364 registered attendees this year. The event serves as a crucial platform for tribal nations to network, share knowledge, and receive training in emergency management.
"Our participation in ITEMC since 2007 has been instrumental in advancing our emergency management capabilities," said Polly Edwards, Caddo Nation Emergency Management Director and ITEMC member. "The conference allows jurisdictions with limited resources to access vital training and build relationships that strengthen our collective response to emergencies."
Key Issues Addressed
The conference covered a range of topics, including:
1. Cybersecurity training
2. Active shooter response
3. FEMA grant opportunities
4. Tribal-state-federal relationships in emergency management
A significant point of discussion was the push for FEMA to reconsider its grant matching requirements for tribal nations. Tribal leaders argue that FEMA's trust responsibility should preclude the need for tribes to provide matching funds.
Looking Ahead
The Caddo Nation is set to participate in a FEMA consultation on Thursday, focusing on grant opportunities and the specific needs of tribal nations in emergency management.
"We're working to ensure that FEMA recognizes tribal nations as equal to states in emergency management contexts," Edwards explained. "This recognition is crucial for effective disaster response and mitigation in our communities."
The Caddo Nation's active involvement in these discussions and training sessions demonstrates its commitment to protecting its citizens and strengthening its emergency management capabilities. As climate change and other factors increase the likelihood of natural disasters, such preparedness becomes ever more critical for the nation's future.
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