ESTABLISHING STRONGER BONDS AND PREPARING FOR FUTURE DISASTERS IN TRIBAL COMMUNITIES

Abstract

Improving relationships between tribal nations and federal agencies to improve disaster management outcomes is critical because, as part of the homeland security community, tribal lands form both north and south U.S. borders, employ 4,500 law enforcement personnel, and comprise 100 million acres. However, since the Department of Homeland Security’s creation, tribes’ homeland security preparedness has achieved varying levels of success. This thesis seeks to identify ways to engage and enhance existing relationships between the federal government and tribes and strengthen tribal nations’ disaster preparedness capabilities. It investigates what steps the Department of Homeland Security can take to strengthen tribal–federal relations to improve the homeland security enterprise’s disaster preparedness and best serve the needs of tribal nations. Employing a comparative case study analysis of interviews and open-source research, this thesis presents information from interviews with the leadership of the Inter-Tribal Emergency Management Coalition and public safety leadership from the Choctaw, Otoe-Missouria, and Citizen Pottawatomi Nations. Although multiple successful efforts have been achieved in Indian Country, several tribal response efforts suggest the need for better resourcing. This thesis recommends resources, tribal-specific policies, and cultural awareness training to improve these efforts between tribal and federal governments.