EMD Hosts 3rd Annual Tribal Emergency Managers Forum

EMD Hosts 3rd Annual Tribal Emergency Managers Forum

The Washington Military Department's Emergency Management Division (EMD) recently hosted the Tribal Emergency Managers Forum at The Evergreen State College's House of Welcome cultural arts public service center. The venue, created in collaboration with Northwest Tribes, provided a fitting setting for this important event.

"This is the third year we've held the Tribal Managers Forum," said Erik Riske, EMD Tribal Liaison. "It offers Tribes and state emergency management officials a valuable opportunity to engage in critical discussions and collaboration around preparedness, mitigation, response, recovery, and mutual aid, among other topics."

The Squaxin Tribe - whose ancestral lands include the location of the venue - provided meals and refreshments in support of the event. The Evergreen State College also eagerly partnered with EMD to make its venue available for this year's gathering.

This year's forum welcomed 35 participants representing 22 Tribes, including: Yakama, Tulalip, Suquamish, Nisqually, Chehalis, Kalispel, Lummi, Squaxin, Skokomish, Makah, Puyallup, Port Gamble, Spokane, Jamestown, Sauk-Suiattle, Colville, Hoh, Samish, Snoqualmie, Cowlitz, Nooksack, and Quinault.

Topics covered during the event included a collaborative workshop on cyberattacks affecting Tribes, in-depth discussions about the Washington Mutual Aid System (WAMAS), the Canoe Journey Tsunami Incident, Tribal fire incidents, and food security.

During annual on-site visits with Washington Tribes, a recurring request has been the opportunity for collective meetings between Tribal and state emergency management representatives. Since this forum began, relationships have been strengthened not only between the state and Tribes, but also among the Tribes themselves. Many have expressed that they previously felt like an afterthought, and this event has taken strong steps toward changing that.

"These important conversations help grow trust, and develop a shared commitment to being good neighbors," said Stacey McClain, EMD Assistant Director for Operations. "It's critical we work together to improve community safety and emergency plans."