InterTribal Emergency Management Coalition Purpose The purpose of
Inter-Tribal Emergency Management Coalition
Purpose • The purpose of this organization is to provide guidance for member tribes to develop sustainable all-hazard comprehensive approaches to terrorism and Homeland Security initiatives, and an all hazard emergency management approach that emphasizes both inter and intra jurisdictional cooperation to maximize resources in mutual aid, training, exercises, planning, and equipping.
ITEMC MISSION • The Inter Tribal Emergency Management Coalition was founded in December 2004 to address the implications regarding the local, state and national all-hazards preparedness planning process in Oklahoma, home to 38 federally recognized Native American tribes. • The Coalition is comprised of Tribal Emergency Management agencies’ as well as other emergency response agencies, who share information and ideas on improving emergency response for member tribes. Participants include representatives from over 28 Oklahoma tribes and Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security, American Red Cross and Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management. • in December 2004 to address the implications regarding the local, state and national all-hazards preparedness planning process in Oklahoma, home to 39 federally recognized Native American tribes. • • The Coalition is comprised of Tribal Emergency Management agencies’ as well as other emergency response agencies, who share information and ideas on improving emergency response for member tribes. Participants include representatives from over 22 Oklahoma tribes and representatives from the Southwest Center for Public Health Preparedness, U. S. Attorney’s Office, Oklahoma State Department of Health, Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security, and Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management.
ITEMC • ITEMC was established in December of 2004 with 10 member tribes, now have 28 of 38 in the state of Oklahoma as active members • Have obtained a 501 non-profit status • Operate strictly on donations and grants • Pay no dues or fees • Is strictly voluntary to join • Assistance is provided even to those that are not members
It was decided that the first response efforts would be from other tribal agencies sharing resources.
ITEMC was established to build partnerships with all agencies that respond to emergencies. Through the annual Summit that ITEMC has put on each year for the last 10 years, we feel that we are opening doors to partnerships with local, state, tribal and federal agencies. We are bringing those agencies together to learn together and to build those partnerships before disaster strike.
This map shows the path of 13 tornadoes that crossed 25 jurisdictions
Because of the unique status of tribal government, the response criteria is not the same as a local, state or federal government. Tribal government only needs a phone call to respond to neighboring tribes or agencies when the need arises. In many cases, those affected do not even need to call. Those that have the capabilities are monitoring and respond as needed.
Every tribe is unique to emergency management in that some have more capabilities than others.
Many tribes do not have an emergency management program, some have very advanced programs.
ITEMC has formed relationships with many organizations and agencies to strengthen response capabilities and sustainability throughout tribal communities.
ITEMC and member tribes have been able to partner with several organizations to deliver much needed emergency management training to tribal governments.
Historically Emergency Management training and resources for Tribal government has been less than with other government agencies and tribes have now began the process of “catching up. ” Training the emergency management staff in tribal government is one of the top priorities for ITEMC. Provided the tribes have an EM program.
Tribal emergency management has also understood the importance of developing partnerships with local jurisdictions to share resources during emergency situations
In developing the partnerships the tribal governments are building response capabilities to become more disaster resistant and resilient.
No government has all the resources needed for a major disaster but with the partnerships and agreements to share resources for response efforts are much more efficient which makes the recovery much faster with better outcomes
Questions?
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