Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe “Best Practices for Supporting Tribal Members” Lee Shipman, Emergency Management Director

2 COMMUNICATION  HOW DO YOU REACH OUT TO TRIBAL MEMBERS ABOUT HAZARDS, RISKS, AND RISK REDUCTION? We are currently in the process of updating our Hazard Mitigation Plan, which will address all natural, man-made and technological hazards. This involves a significant outreach strategy, including surveys, presentations and discussing one on one with tribal members our hazards. We have recently completed our THIRA document, which includes an active- shooter situation at our Casino. We have a very robust outreach program, which includes monthly newsletters, CERT team training, and an annual health walk which brings out well over 150 people. We also regularly conduct exercises, which includes tribal members. Our Elders have been partnered with a local ‘buddy’ who helps ensure that when something happens, they have assistance to evacuate.

3 COMMUNICATION  WHAT CAN FEMA DO TO ASSIST COMMUNICATION BETWEEN YOU AND MEMBERS?  Help us gather necessary information! One of Shoalwater Bay Tribe’s biggest concern is our potential for landslides. The area where our evacuation route currently sits, as well as where our new EOC is being constructed is in a potential landslide hazard area. As the emergency manager for the Tribe, I am hearing from many of our Tribal Members about their concern and questions about how a landslide would impact our Reservation. While our mitigation plan will help identify elements of a landslide hazard such as the slope, soils type, a true geologic study would be of benefit so we know where to focus attention and efforts. We have limited means of conducting a geologic study, so any assistance would be greatly appreciated!

4 PLANNING  HOW DO YOU SUPPORT/HOW ARE YOU INVOLVED IN THE PLANNING EFFORTS OF TRIBAL MEMBERS? As the emergency manager, I lead all planning efforts for the tribe, whether actual plans, exercises or training. Currently, we have hired a wonderful consultant who has worked very hard to provide us with relevant information which we can use for planning, exercises, recovery and preparedness activities, as well as potential grant opportunities. In developing these plans, we have included tribal members, members from local jurisdictions, and state and federal partners in an effort to include the whole community.  WHAT SUPPORT CAN FEMA PROVIDE TO THE TRIBE TO SUPPORT RISK REDUCTION PLANNING EFFORTS? Help us with funding for a landslide study!

5 REGULATIONS  HOW DO YOU ENFORCE REGULATIONS MEANT TO REDUCE RISK? The Tribe is currently in the process of developing its first land use authority. We will be utilizing the mitigation plan which is currently under development to help identify those hazard areas of concern. Currently, while we have adopted land use authority to maintain eligibility for the NFIP program, we also rely on the regulatory authority established by Pacific County. As we are a sovereign nation, we don’t have to use the local jurisdiction ordinances, but as a good neighbor, we work closely with them to make sure we are in compliance. For all of our structures built with federal funds, we, like all other tribes, must adhere to established building codes, which we strictly follow.

6 REGULATIONS  DO YOUR MEMBERS UNDERSTAND THE REGULATIONS? DO THEY CHALLENGE THEM? Our Tribal members are very proactive in protecting the natural resources provided to us. We seldom have anyone who challenges what we are doing because they know we are doing it in their best interest.  WHAT SUPPORT CAN FEMA PROVIDE TO ASSIST YOUR REGULATORY PROCESSES? Whenever we have questions, we are always able to call and get the answers that we need. Continuation of this process is very important, as we know we can get the answers we need.

7 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS Masi’